Forms of Doping

 

 

Gene Doping

 

Gene Doping

 

It is the manipulation of cells or genes to enhance the body’s sporting performance. Modifying genes enables faster reaction, increase in physical strength etc. Examples of gene doping are: changing of the cell growth stimulating proteins, proliferating muscle capacity and increasing blood supply in the body. Genes can be injected into muscles to prevent muscle-wasting disorder and this “camouflages” with the other human genes thus making gene doping almost impossible to detect.

 

 

Gene doping began in the year 2001 when the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission came together to discuss the adverse effects of gene therapy on sports. This action was immediately followed by the World Anti Doping Agency in 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blood Doping

 

Blood Doping

 

It is the act of increasing the number of red blood cells (haemoglobin) in the body with circulation to enhance the athlete’s performance by increasing aerobic capacity.

 

 

Blood doping detection will be to search for any unnatural huge change of the number of RBCs (RED BLOOD CELLS). A huge change will determine whether blood doping has or has not occurred. Another way is to test the urine and blood of athletes although it may be unreliable as athletes usually deny having doped with blood.