p-ISSN: 1300-0551
e-ISSN: 2587-1498

Mehmet KARAKUŞ

Erciyes Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Spor Hekimliği Anabilim Dalı, Kayseri

Keywords: Ergogenic aid, athlete, performance, exercise

Abstract

Ergogenic aids are substances, devices or practices that enhance an individual’s energy use, production or recovery. The form an ergogenic aid may take can be quite varied. Stretching and weight training are physical ergogenic aids. Visualization and hypnosis are mental ergogenic aids. Lighter weight running shoes and better designed sports areas are mechanical ergogenic aids. But perhaps the most commonly recognized form of ergogenic aids are dietary supplements. The availability and use of supplements as ergogenic aids have risen dramatically in the past decade. Despite over 50 years of research, the field of sports nutrition continues to grow at a rapid rate. Some surveys have indicated that approximately 50% of the general population, 76% of college athletes, and 100% of bodybuilders take supplements. New products appear on the market every week. But evidence about their effects on performance is limited or not clear. The present review aims to discuss main issues on the topic, in view of current literature.