Beta blockers are drugs that block nerve impulses and reduce heart rate and force. They are used to treat conditions like high blood pressure but are also used in precision sports to improve performance by steadying nerves and improving accuracy. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and breathing problems. Beta blockers are most commonly used in gymnastics, diving, ski jumping, soccer, wrestling, shooting and archery because they help athletes remain focused and in control by reducing heart rate.

1. BETA BLOCKERS BY ASHLEE MACDONALD

2. Brief Description Beta Blockers are drugs that are used to treat a range of conditions. They work by blocking the spread of specific nerve impulses. When the nerve is stimulated the ends of some nerves release a chemical called noradrenalin, this chemical then stimulates the beta adrenergic receptors which are situated on various parts of the body including the heart, brain and blood vessels, when the beta blocker drug is used it sits on the beta-adrenergic receptors and stops the receptor from being stimulated for example if the receptors in the heart have been blocked the force and heart rate are reduced. Method used in sports doping Beta blockers are used in precision sports and to improve performance in anaerobic events they can steady nervous twitches and improve accuracy. Beta blockers are taken in the form of a tablet. Beta-blockers are used in sports because they have a claming effect, decrease anxiety, nervousness and stabilizes motor performance.

4. How Do Beta Blockers Effect The Body and what are the side effects? Some of the minor effects that can occur to the body whist using beta blockers include: -dizziness - drowsiness - lightheadedness - sleep problems - unusual tiredness or weakness Some of the more major effects include: - breathing problems - slow heart rate - cold hands and feet - swollen ankles, feet or lower legs - mental depression

5. Why are beta blockers used by athletes to enhance performance? Beta blockers give the athlete more control because they calm their nerves, decrease tremors and improve steadiness. They can help enhance an athletes performance because they reduce their heart rate therefor making it easier for the athlete to remain focused and in control. WHICH SPORTS ARE BETA BLOCKERS MOST COMMONLY USED IN? Gymnastics, diving, ski jumping, soccer, wrestling, shooting and archery.

6. QUESTIONS What medical conditions are beta blockers prescribed for? Why do shooters most commonly use beta blockers to enhance their performance? Has any athlete been caught using beta blockers in the Olympics?

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2452 ©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000279/ Copyright © 2009 EMIS & PIP http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/beta_blockers.jsp This article was updated on 08-14-2006