Step-by-Step Guide for Analyzing Ergogenic Aids in Sports

Choose an Ergogenic Aid and Sign Up Online on BrightSpace by D2L

Step 1: Choose an ergogenic aid and sign up online on BrightSpace by D2L.                           

1. Review the following list of ergogenic aids and choose one as your topic of choice.     

o Caffeine

o Casein Protein

o Creatine Monohydrate

o Beetroot Juice

o Sodium Bicarbonate

o Beta-alanine

2. Once you have selected the ergogenic aid that you would like to help analyze, go to “Groups” found under the “My Tools” menu bar.

3. Select the appropriate topic and “enroll yourself” *Please note a maximum of 10 students may sign up for each ergogenic aid, so have a second choice*

Step 2: Complete your Assignment 2A: Literature Search and Article Description (/15)          

1. Look up your ergogenic aid on examine.com or Gatorade Sport Science Institute to understand why athletes are interested in this supplement. *Please note that examine.com and Gatorade Sport Science Institute cannot be used as an academic source as it is a website not a journal article. This is for background understanding only*

2. Complete an academic literature search (i.e. Find articles from peer-reviewed publications). Use the Langara library links provided if you have not completed an academic literature search before. *Make sure you leave yourself adequate time to collect

3. Download the worksheet for assignment 2A from the Assignment folder on the course website.

4. Summarize each of the 3 different academic articles on your ergogenic aid and athletes.        Do not include systemic review articles or articles on general health/general population.       Use the provided template and in your own words, make sure your summary includes:

o dose of the ergogenic aid used (ex. 10g) *Hint you will likely find it in the methods section*

o description of study participants (number, genders, type of athlete/training level, ages etc.) *Hint you will likely find it in the first part of the results section*

o results of the study. *Hint you will likely find it in the results, discussion and conclusion sections*

o limitations of the study such as small sample size, narrow age range, short study duration or only one gender tested. Be specific in how these factors are limitations. *Hint you might find some limitations in the discussion and conclusion sections. Use your critical thinking skills to find limitations.*

5. Once complete, save your file as a Word document and send it into the online Assignment folder.

Step 3: Complete your Assignment 2B: Summary Paper                                      

1. Using the information from your articles and other research. Write a 1-2 page summary paper, in your own words, that provides background on your ergogenic aid and comes to conclusions about its scientific efficacy. Your paper should be no more than 1-2 pages single spaced, excluding references. Any content presented after the 2 first pages will not be considered for marking, except for references. It should be in essay format (introduction, body and conclusion) with APA style referencing. The paper will cover the following:

A. What is your ergogenic aid? What is it thought to do with athletic performance (how does it help)? (2 marks)

B. Where is this ingredient found in real food? How much of the food would have to be eaten to reach an effective dose? Is this comparable? (3 marks)

C. How much does the dose studied cost for an athlete to take each week? Given the effects seen in the studies you looked at, is this a good use of those funds? Make sure you reference wherever you looked up the price. (2 marks)

Based on the studies you have researched, is this supplement effective? If so, why and for who? If not, why do you think so? Make sure you have clear links to the research done in Part A, but you are not limited to these 3 research articles. More credible research is encouraged to help you write a quality research paper. (