ABSTRACT
The personal and financial rewards of modern sport can create unhealthy desires to win at all costs. To gain a competitive advantage, some athletes may use ergogenic aids, which enhance sporting performance beyond that attainable through genetic ability and training. Ergogenic aids can be grouped into five categories:
pharmacological (performance-enhancing drugs, e.g. anabolics or stimulants);
physiological (e.g. blood doping);
psychological (e.g. hypnosis);
mechanical (e.g. clothing or equipment);
nutritional (dietary supplementation).
