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Chemistry in Sports
Chemistry has been defined as the science that is concerned with the composition, properties, and structure of matter and with the ways in which substances can change from one form to another. But this definition is too broad to be useful. Chemistry isn't the only science that deals with the composition and transformations of matter. Matter is also composed of foods, which may be transformed efficiently by digestion and other body processes into muscle or fat and energy. These are normally considered the subject of fields like nutrition, sports medicine, or exercise physiology.
Chemists are unique because they have the potential to understand or explain everything on a molecular scale, and apply their knowledge to the subjects studied by nutritionists or exercise physiologists. This can be in terms of the properties of just over 100 kinds of atoms found in all matter, and the amazing variety of molecules that are created by forming and breaking bonds between atoms. So chemistry is defined by its approach, not its subject matter. Chemistry explains or understands any subject in terms of the properties of atoms and molecules.
Chemistry provides a unique perspective that complements many areas in sports and health.
presented by :
Wazda Jamal
Roll No. 38
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energy drinks in sports using chemistry:-
Energy drinks main contents include caffeine and taurine. Caffeine had a very similar structure to Adenosine (a chemical which bond to adenosine receptors making people tired). Caffeine and the metabolized versions are able to bond to this receptor preventing the adenosine to bond. This makes your body more energized.
Taurine is a nonessential sulfur-containing amino acid that functions with glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid as a neuroinhibitory transmitter. C2H7NO3S an amino acid that the body naturally produced, helps regulate heart beat and muscle contractions and energy levels Taurine might be a “mild inhibitory neurotransmitter”, some studies show it helps with excitable brain states. Body slows down production under stressful situations
adrenaline rush
Its the most useful body enzyme ( an organic compound)which provides us with extra energy while playing sports.
What It Is
You hear the word "adrenaline" and your mind likely conjures up images of skiing down the face of a mountain or flying through the air on top of anything with wheels in this era of tough Games. But adrenaline -- a "sudden burst of energy from an increase in the hormone and neurotransmitter adrenaline, especially increased heart rate and blood pressure, perspiration, blood sugar and metabolism,"
Its the most useful body enzyme ( an organic compound)which provides us with extra energy while playing sports.
What It Is
You hear the word "adrenaline" and your mind likely conjures up images of skiing down the face of a mountain or flying through the air on top of anything with wheels in this era of tough Games. But adrenaline -- a "sudden burst of energy from an increase in the hormone and neurotransmitter adrenaline, especially increased heart rate and blood pressure, perspiration, blood sugar and metabolism,"
MADE BY:- DWAIPAYAN PAUL
CLASS:- 11 B
..............................................
Chemistry in the field of sports...
Page: 3
Chemistry makes a surprisingly large contribution to sports ranging from golf to football. It is also of great importance to those into sports, in regards to which drinks are best to fuel our bodies when we exercise and get involved with sporting activities.
Generally, people automatically opt for water with their exercising as it is proven to hydrate better than any other liquid known. However, specific sports drinks which are made solely for the purpose of boosting and sustaining your stamina whilst you are exercising can be your preferred choice, due to their sweeter tastes inspiring more consumption. They are also heavy on carbohydrates which are a great provider of fuel for the body to run on.They provide us with electrolytes which decrease in volume upon sweating.
Performance Enhancing Drugs:
Although the phrase performance-enhancing drugs is often used in reference to anabolic steroids or their precursors, world anti-doping organizations apply the term broadly. The phrase more broadly refers to several distinct classes of drugs:
Chemical structure of a simple steroid
Lean mass builders : Are used to drive or amplify the growth of muscle and lean body mass, and sometimes to reduce body fat. This class of drugs includes anabolic steroids, beta-2 agonists, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and various human hormones, most notably human growth hormone, as well as some of their precursors.
structure of caffeine
Stimulants : are used to stimulate the athlete's body and mind to perform at optimal level by increasing focus, energy and aggression. Examples include caffeine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.
structure of ibuprofen
Painkillers : IT mask athletes' pain so they can continue to compete and perform beyond their usual pain thresholds. Blood pressure is increased causing the cells in the muscles to be better supplied with vital oxygen. Painkillers used by athletes range from common over-the-counter medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen) to powerful prescription narcotics.
structure of ethanol
Sedatives : are sometimes used by athletes in sports like archery which require steady hands and accurate aim, and by athletes attempting to overcome excessive nervousness or discomfort. Alcohol, valium and marijuana are examples.
Disadvantages of taking PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS:
Although, steroids have great short-term advantages, the long-term disadvantages and side effects outweigh any good that good possibly come from use of performance enhancing drugs. Human nature is to find the quickest and fastest way to a solution, and in sports and competition, that solution is winning. Winning can make people do things to their bodies that benefit them in the present, but can compromise health in the future. Here is a short list of the dangerous side effects that can come with PED and steroid abuse:
- iNCREASED RISK OF MOOD DISTURBANCES INCLUDING MANIA AND DEPRESSION.
- INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.
- INCREASED RISK OF KIDNEY AND LUNG DISEASE.
- INCREASED RISK OF CANCER.
MADE BY : SWAPNADEEP DATTA
CLASS : 11 B
ROLL NO : 43
.................................................................
Role of Chemistry in the field of Sports
I have chosen to work on the topic… 
“The effect of drugs in sports”
Chemistry plays an important role in the performance of athletes in training, recovery and competition.
Sports medicines use a host of chemical compounds to help the athlete such as cold sprays to numb injuries and sports drinks and dietary supplements which provide energy sources for competitors.
However, chemistry is most controversial when it comes to performance enhancing drugs. 
The practice of using these substances is called doping and unfortunately is present in competitive sports today.
(2)Peptide hormones - these are substances that occur naturally in the body, such as erythropoietin (EPO), which increases the number of red blood cells in the blood ensuring increased oxygen delivery to the muscles.
(5)Diuretics - chemicals that help the body to lose fluids, which may be useful in helping boxers and jockeys to reach their ideal weight. 
Is it worth the risk?
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]-->
As always, taking drugs is a risky business. Most performance enhancing drugs have health side effects of some kind. For example, taking anabolic steroids may lead to high blood pressure, infertility, kidney failure and heart disease.
Effective detection
Awareness…
Many athletes may continue to use performance enhancing substances as new undetectable drugs come on the market but the scientists will always be coming up with new ways of detection as technologies are developed. 
Drug questions clouded the feats of Roger Bannister in 1954 and Marion Jones in 2000.
By KUSHAL ADHIKARY Class: XI B ROLL no: 41
...........................................................................................
Chemistry in sports
Tonight is the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. As we cheer on the incredible athletes from around the globe, it’s amazing to think about all the advances chemistry has enabled in sports at the Olympic level and beyond.
Many types of sports equipment rely heavily on chemistry to help athletes reach peak performance—and provide critical safety and protective functions along the way. Whether it’s a tennis ball or baseball bat, elite athletes from around the world depend on the products of chemistry.
Polyurethanes
Polyurethanes, a kind of plastic, will play an important role this summer as they are frequently found in running and other athletic shoes, making them more resilient. In addition, polyurethane is found in a wide variety of popular sporting equipment, such as soccer balls, binders on running tracks and judo mats.
A number of styles of sport flooring and pour-in-place track surfaces use polyurethanes, as well. These equipment necessities alongside such items as surfboard, roller blades, bowling balls and spandex apparel are all made possible in part due to polyurethane innovations.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is also changing the way we play sports.
For instance, nanotechnology used in golf balls can greatly improve performance by reducing hooks and slices. Tennis racquets manufactured with nanomaterials become stiffer and lighter, giving athletes faster returns and more powerful serves. And for the javelin throw or archery, rosin bags, which are derived from pine chemicals and also used by pitchers in baseball and softball, provide a strong grip.
Polycarbonate
Chemistry also helps sports equipment meet modern day needs. Polycarbonate, a strong, shatter-resistant plastic, can also be found in protective sports equipment.
Polycarbonate is often used in riding and biking helmets, helping protect riders competing in equestrian and cycling competitions. Polycarbonate sunglasses and protective visors, which provide optical clarity as well as shatter-resistance, are worn by runners and rowers, just to name a few. Polycarbonate lenses can also be found in swim goggles.
The impact of innovative chemistry is not confined to summer sports. Plastics can be vital to the performance and safety of winter athletes, like skiers and snowboarders. Plastic products’ unique combination of lightness, durability, strength and flexibility make ski boots, snowboards, and knee braces help meet high-performance demands.
Sports medicine
Sports medicine or sport medicine is an interdisciplinary subspecialty of medicine which deals with the treatment and preventive care of athletes, both amateur and professional. The team includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel, and, of course, the athlete.
History
The origins of Sports Medicine lie in 5th century BC ancient Greece and ancient Rome where physical education was a necessary aspect of youth – training and athletic contests first became a part of everyday life during these times. However, it was not until in 1928 at the Olympics in St. Moritz, when a committee came together to plan the First International Congress of Sports Medicine , that the term itself was coined. In the 5th century, however, the care of athletes was primarily the responsibility of specialists. They were trainer-coaches and were considered to be experts on diet, physical therapy, and hygiene as well as on sport-specific techniques. The first use of therapeutic exercise is credited to Herodicus , who is thought to have been one of Hippocrates' teachers. Until the 2nd century AD, when the first "team doctor", Galen, was appointed to the gladiators, the physician only became involved if there was an injury. Whether or not there was good communication or rapport between the trainer-coaches and the team physician back then is a matter of speculation. What is clear however, is that from its beginnings, Sport Medicine has been multidisciplinary with the obligation not only to treat injuries but also to instruct and prepare athletes. This link with physical education has remained in place throughout its evolution.
Sports Medicine has always been difficult to define because it is not a single specialty, but an area that involves health care professionals , researchers and educators from a wide variety of disciplines. Its function is not only curative and rehabilitative, but also preventative, which may actually be the most important one of all. Despite this wide scope, there has been a tendency for many to assume that sport-related problems are by default musculoskeletal and that Sports Medicine is an orthopaedic specialty. There is much more to Sports Medicine than just musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Illness or injury in sport can be caused by many factors – from environmental to physiological and psychological. Consequently, Sports Medicine can encompass an array of specialties - cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, biomechanics, traumatology, etc. For example, heat, cold or altitude during training and competition can alter performance or may even be life threatening. What about the female triad of disordered eating, menstrual and bone density problems, and the pregnant or the aging athlete? In addition, the management of dermatological and endocrinological diseases and other such problems in the athlete demands expertise and sport-specific knowledge. The use of supplements, pharmacological or otherwise, and the topics of doping control and gender verification present complex moral, legal and health-related difficulties. Then there are the particular problems associated with international sporting events, such as the effects of travel, acclimatization and the attempt to balance an athlete's participation and her or his health. Much of this represents new fields of study where extensive clinical and basic science research is burgeoning. Finally, prevention is an area of increasingly specialized knowledge, interest and expertise.
The Chemistry of Insulin
Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that promotes glucose utilization, protein synthesis and the formation and storage of lipids. Produced by specialized endocrine cells of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans, insulin was discovered in 1921 by two Canadian researchers, Dr Frederick Banting and his medical assistant Charles Best.
Insulin is crucial to the transport of glucose and amino acids into muscle cells. Properly managed by the right diet, insulin is the athlete's best friend as it plays an enormous role in muscle hypertrophy (growth). With the support of human growth hormone (hGH), it has a direct effect on the production of somatomedins in the liver. Somatomedins are called insulin like growth factors or more commonly IGF. For this reason insulin has earned the reputation of an anabolic hormone. However, insulin is a two-edged sword. It is also the hormone of feasting and plenty and depending on what is eaten and when, insulin functions as a brilliant fat storage hormone.
Our ability to respond to insulin is called insulin tolerance. The more tolerance a person has for insulin, the more insulin it takes to get a response. A low tolerance to insulin is preferable, as excessive insulin production is associated with obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, vascular disease, fatigue and adult-onset type II diabetes. Many overweight individuals have excess insulin in their blood due to excessive stimulation of the pancreas. This condition is called hyperinsulinemia.
The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance to insulin, which many experts claim is caused by eating too many processed high-carbohydrate foods. This common North American dietary practice in turn causes an excess build-up of glucose in the blood resulting in the production of free-radicals.
Syndrome X, coined in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven, a Stanford University endocrinologist, is defined by a cluster of related symptoms that always includes insulin resistance and one or more of the following conditions; abnormal blood fats, elevated uric acid, reduced HDL, increased oxidized LDL particles, overweight and high blood pressure.
Insulin resistance involves the release by the pancreas of more insulin than the target cells in the body can handle. Excess carbohydrate intake in the form of sugar, bread, pasta, bagels, chips, cookies, breakfast cereals, etcﾅ cause blood glucose levels to rise excessively, and in response, the pancreas releases more and more insulin. Eventually, the cell receptors of muscle and vital organs become saturated, non-responsive and may even shut down. Then, glucose and insulin begin to accumulate to toxic levels in the bloodstream, becoming agents of hostility and damage. Clotting factors are activated and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) begin to form. It is estimated that as many as 25-30% of North American adults have Syndrome X.
Sleep deprivation depresses growth hormone release, slows muscle and strength gains and negatively influences immune function. Insomnia and sleep deprivation also cause insulin resistance, which promotes intra-abdominal obesity. This translates to that dreaded spare tire around the gut, which happens to be the most dangerous region to store excess bodyfat in terms of disease risk for the body, especially heart disease.
Ideally, we don't want to constantly flood the body with high-glycemic, low fiber, low water volume carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, as this causes insulin to spike. It's much better to consume carbohydrates that are metabolized slowly and that release their sugars over a longer period of time. Consuming low-glycemic carbs in smaller portions keeps glucose and insulin closer to a normal fasting baseline for a good anabolic effect, not too high or too low. Insulin suppression reduces testosterone levels, impairs strength and limits performance, whereas high levels increase risk of disease and obesity.
Nutrients that optimize insulin activity, improve its sensitivity and protect it and the pancreas from oxidative damage include B6, niacin, magnesium, chromium, vanadium, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C and the omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and decosahexanoic acid (DHA).
Insulin has a direct effect on the metabolism and storage of fat. For instance, insulin accelerates the transport of glucose from the blood into cells and the conversion of glucose into fatty acids. This is called lipogenesis. Insulin has a greater half-life than glucose, so any insulin left circulating in the blood after it has completed its work is also converted into fat. And the effect is even more reliable if by genetic predisposition you have a slow metabolic rate and spend most of your free or work time seated.
If levels of insulin climb too high, which can happen simply by eating a large meal or a meal dominated by carbs such as bread, rice or pasta, a simultaneous increase in the enzymes lipoprotein lipase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase occurs. Both of these enzymes facilitate the transport of fatty acids into fat cells.
High insulin levels activate lipoprotein lipase and increase its activity. Lipoprotein lipase promotes the removal of triglycerides from the bloodstream and encourages their deposition in adipocytes or fat cells. Insulin also inhibits the action of hormone-sensitive lipase which breaks down stored fats for use as energy. So anytime you catch yourself eyeing a muffin or a slice of bread, focus for a moment in advance of the indulgence. Think of what effect it will have on your blood chemistry and body composition. Remember, insulin inhibits the mobilization of stored fat.
If insulin levels are continuously sustained above baseline throughout the day, enzymes like lipoprotein lipase can suppress the oxidation of fatty acids, even while consuming a negative calorie intake combined with exercise. This is called an anti-lipolytic effect. While the caloric profile of food is a factor in weight management, the chemistry of food is more important to understand. The irony of this is that few people really get this concept or even think about it. And for those that do, I call it "Getting the Connection".
Once you get the connection you can control your body composition like flicking a light switch on or off! You can design a diet that fits you personally like a glove. However, knowing is not enough, to get the results most of us want means you have to do the work and eat with discipline, purpose and foresight. The field must be plowed before the seed can be planted and the crops harvested. The work always precedes the benefit.
BY:- Debismita PushilalChemistry in the field of sports...
Page: 3
Chemistry makes a surprisingly large contribution to sports ranging from golf to football. It is also of great importance to those into sports, in regards to which drinks are best to fuel our bodies when we exercise and get involved with sporting activities.
Generally, people automatically opt for water with their exercising as it is proven to hydrate better than any other liquid known. However, specific sports drinks which are made solely for the purpose of boosting and sustaining your stamina whilst you are exercising can be your preferred choice, due to their sweeter tastes inspiring more consumption. They are also heavy on carbohydrates which are a great provider of fuel for the body to run on.They provide us with electrolytes which decrease in volume upon sweating.
Performance Enhancing Drugs:
Although the phrase performance-enhancing drugs is often used in reference to anabolic steroids or their precursors, world anti-doping organizations apply the term broadly. The phrase more broadly refers to several distinct classes of drugs:
Chemical structure of a simple steroid Lean mass builders : Are used to drive or amplify the growth of muscle and lean body mass, and sometimes to reduce body fat. This class of drugs includes anabolic steroids, beta-2 agonists, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and various human hormones, most notably human growth hormone, as well as some of their precursors.
structure of caffeine Stimulants : are used to stimulate the athlete's body and mind to perform at optimal level by increasing focus, energy and aggression. Examples include
caffeine,amphetamine, andmethamphetamine.structure of ibuprofen Painkillers : IT mask athletes' pain so they can continue to compete and perform beyond their usual pain thresholds. Blood pressure is increased causing the cells in the muscles to be better supplied with vital oxygen. Painkillers used by athletes range from common over-the-counter medicines such as
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen) to powerful prescriptionnarcotics.structure of ethanol Sedatives : are sometimes used by athletes in sports like archery which require steady hands and accurate aim, and by athletes attempting to overcome excessive nervousness or discomfort.
Alcohol,valiumandmarijuanaare examples.Disadvantages of taking PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS:
Although, steroids have great short-term advantages, the long-term disadvantages and side effects outweigh any good that good possibly come from use of performance enhancing drugs. Human nature is to find the quickest and fastest way to a solution, and in sports and competition, that solution is winning. Winning can make people do things to their bodies that benefit them in the present, but can compromise health in the future. Here is a short list of the dangerous side effects that can come with PED and steroid abuse:
- iNCREASED RISK OF MOOD DISTURBANCES INCLUDING MANIA AND DEPRESSION.
- INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.
- INCREASED RISK OF KIDNEY AND LUNG DISEASE.
- INCREASED RISK OF CANCER.
.................................................................
Role of Chemistry in the field of Sports
Chemistry has always played a significant role in the field of sports for boosting the various abilities of athletes through energy drinks, tonics, steroids, tranquilizers and even through drugs.
I have chosen to work on the topic…
“The effect of drugs in sports”
Chemistry plays an important role in the performance of athletes in training, recovery and competition.
Sports medicines use a host of chemical compounds to help the athlete such as cold sprays to numb injuries and sports drinks and dietary supplements which provide energy sources for competitors.
However, chemistry is most controversial when it comes to performance enhancing drugs.
Achievements in the sporting world can be overshadowed by controversy regarding performance enhancing drugs. There are over 4,000 drugs banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who set international standards.
The practice of using these substances is called doping and unfortunately is present in competitive sports today.
The need to be the best…
Competitors feel immense pressure to excel in their chosen sport. They only have a short career over which they can earn a lot of money and fame and the best way to do this is to win. Training gets results but it is widely believed that drugs can boost competitor’s efforts even at the expense of their health and sporting careers.
There are 5 main categories of banned substances
(1)Anabolic steroids - these help athletes to build muscle, and to recover faster after training
(2)Peptide hormones - these are substances that occur naturally in the body, such as erythropoietin (EPO), which increases the number of red blood cells in the blood ensuring increased oxygen delivery to the muscles.
(3)Strong analgesic painkillers - such as morphine and other opiates;
(4)Stimulants - drugs like amphetamines and cocaine can raise the heart rate and may improve performance
(5)Diuretics - chemicals that help the body to lose fluids, which may be useful in helping boxers and jockeys to reach their ideal weight.
Is it worth the risk?
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]-->
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]-->
As always, taking drugs is a risky business. Most performance enhancing drugs have health side effects of some kind. For example, taking anabolic steroids may lead to high blood pressure, infertility, kidney failure and heart disease.
If EPO levels in the body are too high, too many red blood cells will be produced which will lead to a thickening of the blood and potential blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
Effective detection
The majority of drugs that are used by competitors can be detected in a sample of urine or blood. Analytical chemistry techniques (such as mass spectrometry and gas chromatography) are used in conjunction with biological techniques (immuno-assays) to identify the type and amount of most banned substances in the body.
The problem is that as fast as scientists devise new tests, other scientists are devising new products that enhance performance.
Awareness…
Many athletes may continue to use performance enhancing substances as new undetectable drugs come on the market but the scientists will always be coming up with new ways of detection as technologies are developed.
Drug questions clouded the feats of Roger Bannister in 1954 and Marion Jones in 2000.
By KUSHAL ADHIKARY Class: XI B ROLL no: 41
Chemistry in sports
Tonight is the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. As we cheer on the incredible athletes from around the globe, it’s amazing to think about all the advances chemistry has enabled in sports at the Olympic level and beyond.
Many types of sports equipment rely heavily on chemistry to help athletes reach peak performance—and provide critical safety and protective functions along the way. Whether it’s a tennis ball or baseball bat, elite athletes from around the world depend on the products of chemistry.
Polyurethanes
Polyurethanes, a kind of plastic, will play an important role this summer as they are frequently found in running and other athletic shoes, making them more resilient. In addition, polyurethane is found in a wide variety of popular sporting equipment, such as soccer balls, binders on running tracks and judo mats.
A number of styles of sport flooring and pour-in-place track surfaces use polyurethanes, as well. These equipment necessities alongside such items as surfboard, roller blades, bowling balls and spandex apparel are all made possible in part due to polyurethane innovations.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is also changing the way we play sports.
For instance, nanotechnology used in golf balls can greatly improve performance by reducing hooks and slices. Tennis racquets manufactured with nanomaterials become stiffer and lighter, giving athletes faster returns and more powerful serves. And for the javelin throw or archery, rosin bags, which are derived from pine chemicals and also used by pitchers in baseball and softball, provide a strong grip.
Polycarbonate
Chemistry also helps sports equipment meet modern day needs. Polycarbonate, a strong, shatter-resistant plastic, can also be found in protective sports equipment.
Polycarbonate is often used in riding and biking helmets, helping protect riders competing in equestrian and cycling competitions. Polycarbonate sunglasses and protective visors, which provide optical clarity as well as shatter-resistance, are worn by runners and rowers, just to name a few. Polycarbonate lenses can also be found in swim goggles.
The impact of innovative chemistry is not confined to summer sports. Plastics can be vital to the performance and safety of winter athletes, like skiers and snowboarders. Plastic products’ unique combination of lightness, durability, strength and flexibility make ski boots, snowboards, and knee braces help meet high-performance demands.
Sports medicine
Sports medicine or sport medicine is an interdisciplinary subspecialty of medicine which deals with the treatment and preventive care of athletes, both amateur and professional. The team includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel, and, of course, the athlete.
History
The origins of Sports Medicine lie in 5th century BC ancient Greece and ancient Rome where physical education was a necessary aspect of youth – training and athletic contests first became a part of everyday life during these times. However, it was not until in 1928 at the Olympics in St. Moritz, when a committee came together to plan the First International Congress of Sports Medicine , that the term itself was coined. In the 5th century, however, the care of athletes was primarily the responsibility of specialists. They were trainer-coaches and were considered to be experts on diet, physical therapy, and hygiene as well as on sport-specific techniques. The first use of therapeutic exercise is credited to Herodicus , who is thought to have been one of Hippocrates' teachers. Until the 2nd century AD, when the first "team doctor", Galen, was appointed to the gladiators, the physician only became involved if there was an injury. Whether or not there was good communication or rapport between the trainer-coaches and the team physician back then is a matter of speculation. What is clear however, is that from its beginnings, Sport Medicine has been multidisciplinary with the obligation not only to treat injuries but also to instruct and prepare athletes. This link with physical education has remained in place throughout its evolution.
Sports Medicine has always been difficult to define because it is not a single specialty, but an area that involves health care professionals , researchers and educators from a wide variety of disciplines. Its function is not only curative and rehabilitative, but also preventative, which may actually be the most important one of all. Despite this wide scope, there has been a tendency for many to assume that sport-related problems are by default musculoskeletal and that Sports Medicine is an orthopaedic specialty. There is much more to Sports Medicine than just musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Illness or injury in sport can be caused by many factors – from environmental to physiological and psychological. Consequently, Sports Medicine can encompass an array of specialties - cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, biomechanics, traumatology, etc. For example, heat, cold or altitude during training and competition can alter performance or may even be life threatening. What about the female triad of disordered eating, menstrual and bone density problems, and the pregnant or the aging athlete? In addition, the management of dermatological and endocrinological diseases and other such problems in the athlete demands expertise and sport-specific knowledge. The use of supplements, pharmacological or otherwise, and the topics of doping control and gender verification present complex moral, legal and health-related difficulties. Then there are the particular problems associated with international sporting events, such as the effects of travel, acclimatization and the attempt to balance an athlete's participation and her or his health. Much of this represents new fields of study where extensive clinical and basic science research is burgeoning. Finally, prevention is an area of increasingly specialized knowledge, interest and expertise.
The Chemistry of Insulin
|
Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that promotes glucose utilization, protein synthesis and the formation and storage of lipids. Produced by specialized endocrine cells of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans, insulin was discovered in 1921 by two Canadian researchers, Dr Frederick Banting and his medical assistant Charles Best.
Insulin is crucial to the transport of glucose and amino acids into muscle cells. Properly managed by the right diet, insulin is the athlete's best friend as it plays an enormous role in muscle hypertrophy (growth). With the support of human growth hormone (hGH), it has a direct effect on the production of somatomedins in the liver. Somatomedins are called insulin like growth factors or more commonly IGF. For this reason insulin has earned the reputation of an anabolic hormone. However, insulin is a two-edged sword. It is also the hormone of feasting and plenty and depending on what is eaten and when, insulin functions as a brilliant fat storage hormone. Our ability to respond to insulin is called insulin tolerance. The more tolerance a person has for insulin, the more insulin it takes to get a response. A low tolerance to insulin is preferable, as excessive insulin production is associated with obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, vascular disease, fatigue and adult-onset type II diabetes. Many overweight individuals have excess insulin in their blood due to excessive stimulation of the pancreas. This condition is called hyperinsulinemia. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance to insulin, which many experts claim is caused by eating too many processed high-carbohydrate foods. This common North American dietary practice in turn causes an excess build-up of glucose in the blood resulting in the production of free-radicals. Syndrome X, coined in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven, a Stanford University endocrinologist, is defined by a cluster of related symptoms that always includes insulin resistance and one or more of the following conditions; abnormal blood fats, elevated uric acid, reduced HDL, increased oxidized LDL particles, overweight and high blood pressure. Insulin resistance involves the release by the pancreas of more insulin than the target cells in the body can handle. Excess carbohydrate intake in the form of sugar, bread, pasta, bagels, chips, cookies, breakfast cereals, etcﾅ cause blood glucose levels to rise excessively, and in response, the pancreas releases more and more insulin. Eventually, the cell receptors of muscle and vital organs become saturated, non-responsive and may even shut down. Then, glucose and insulin begin to accumulate to toxic levels in the bloodstream, becoming agents of hostility and damage. Clotting factors are activated and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) begin to form. It is estimated that as many as 25-30% of North American adults have Syndrome X. Sleep deprivation depresses growth hormone release, slows muscle and strength gains and negatively influences immune function. Insomnia and sleep deprivation also cause insulin resistance, which promotes intra-abdominal obesity. This translates to that dreaded spare tire around the gut, which happens to be the most dangerous region to store excess bodyfat in terms of disease risk for the body, especially heart disease. Ideally, we don't want to constantly flood the body with high-glycemic, low fiber, low water volume carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, as this causes insulin to spike. It's much better to consume carbohydrates that are metabolized slowly and that release their sugars over a longer period of time. Consuming low-glycemic carbs in smaller portions keeps glucose and insulin closer to a normal fasting baseline for a good anabolic effect, not too high or too low. Insulin suppression reduces testosterone levels, impairs strength and limits performance, whereas high levels increase risk of disease and obesity. Nutrients that optimize insulin activity, improve its sensitivity and protect it and the pancreas from oxidative damage include B6, niacin, magnesium, chromium, vanadium, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C and the omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and decosahexanoic acid (DHA). Insulin has a direct effect on the metabolism and storage of fat. For instance, insulin accelerates the transport of glucose from the blood into cells and the conversion of glucose into fatty acids. This is called lipogenesis. Insulin has a greater half-life than glucose, so any insulin left circulating in the blood after it has completed its work is also converted into fat. And the effect is even more reliable if by genetic predisposition you have a slow metabolic rate and spend most of your free or work time seated. If levels of insulin climb too high, which can happen simply by eating a large meal or a meal dominated by carbs such as bread, rice or pasta, a simultaneous increase in the enzymes lipoprotein lipase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase occurs. Both of these enzymes facilitate the transport of fatty acids into fat cells. High insulin levels activate lipoprotein lipase and increase its activity. Lipoprotein lipase promotes the removal of triglycerides from the bloodstream and encourages their deposition in adipocytes or fat cells. Insulin also inhibits the action of hormone-sensitive lipase which breaks down stored fats for use as energy. So anytime you catch yourself eyeing a muffin or a slice of bread, focus for a moment in advance of the indulgence. Think of what effect it will have on your blood chemistry and body composition. Remember, insulin inhibits the mobilization of stored fat. If insulin levels are continuously sustained above baseline throughout the day, enzymes like lipoprotein lipase can suppress the oxidation of fatty acids, even while consuming a negative calorie intake combined with exercise. This is called an anti-lipolytic effect. While the caloric profile of food is a factor in weight management, the chemistry of food is more important to understand. The irony of this is that few people really get this concept or even think about it. And for those that do, I call it "Getting the Connection". Once you get the connection you can control your body composition like flicking a light switch on or off! You can design a diet that fits you personally like a glove. However, knowing is not enough, to get the results most of us want means you have to do the work and eat with discipline, purpose and foresight. The field must be plowed before the seed can be planted and the crops harvested. The work always precedes the benefit. |
Shoes – Modern Sports shoes are chemical marvels, from the complex adhesives that ensure the shoe remains intact under extreme conditions, to the breathing fabrics that keep your feet cool and dry.
Clothing – Like sports equipment, modern clothing is highly sophisticated and has a great impact on the feeling of physical comfort in any kind of sport. Optimal water permeability allows sweat water droplets out but does not let rain water in Polyurethane fibres ensures that the body wear has a perfect fit and offers the highest comfort because it stretches but still keeps its shape.
Stadiums –These days artificial turf, made of polyolefins to ensure toughness, is used in many stadiums. The turf is connected to the ground using polyurethane adhesives. Another type of chemical material, polycarbonates, have become the preferred material for roofing sporting arenas as they are lightweight and transparent enabling weird and wonderful architectural designs. PVC is used in all parts of the stadium from the flags and banners waved by fans to the seat they sit in to the field drainage system. Come rain or shine the Chemistry will be there to save the day.
Equipment – New materials such as carbon fibre give great strength three times stronger than steel and flexibility without the weight. Tennis rackets, golf clubs, poles or vaulting and Formula 1 racing cars all benefit from this – giving an improved performance. Modern footballs are no longer permeable to rain water and the surfaces are now smooth, abrasion resistant, ageing resistant and weather resistant polyurethane surfaces.
Sports Drinks – which drink is better when it comes top hydrating during or after exercise? Should you choose water? Coffee or tea perhaps? Maybe juice or carbonated drinks are best? And what is it about sports drinks that make them so effective?
Chemistry has the answer to all of these questions........
ROLL NO.: 44
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Shoes – Modern Sports shoes are chemical marvels, from the complex adhesives that ensure the shoe remains intact under extreme conditions, to the breathing fabrics that keep your feet cool and dry.
Clothing – Like sports equipment, modern clothing is highly sophisticated and has a great impact on the feeling of physical comfort in any kind of sport. Optimal water permeability allows sweat water droplets out but does not let rain water in Polyurethane fibres ensures that the body wear has a perfect fit and offers the highest comfort because it stretches but still keeps its shape.
Stadiums –These days artificial turf, made of polyolefins to ensure toughness, is used in many stadiums. The turf is connected to the ground using polyurethane adhesives. Another type of chemical material, polycarbonates, have become the preferred material for roofing sporting arenas as they are lightweight and transparent enabling weird and wonderful architectural designs. PVC is used in all parts of the stadium from the flags and banners waved by fans to the seat they sit in to the field drainage system. Come rain or shine the Chemistry will be there to save the day.
Equipment – New materials such as carbon fibre give great strength three times stronger than steel and flexibility without the weight. Tennis rackets, golf clubs, poles or vaulting and Formula 1 racing cars all benefit from this – giving an improved performance. Modern footballs are no longer permeable to rain water and the surfaces are now smooth, abrasion resistant, ageing resistant and weather resistant polyurethane surfaces.
Sports Drinks – which drink is better when it comes top hydrating during or after exercise? Should you choose water? Coffee or tea perhaps? Maybe juice or carbonated drinks are best? And what is it about sports drinks that make them so effective?
Chemistry has the answer to all of these questions........
ROLL NO.: 44
Superb post dwaipayan. It was really a great post putting forward lots of information in very innovative style
ReplyDelete-Arkopal Ray
XI-B
I find the posts very informative.THE writing style is also very nice.I would have also liked to know about the specific drugs being used by sportsmen for different games.But all in all the posts are interesting and thought provoking.
ReplyDelete-AMRITA BASU
XI-B