Question

Gaining the Competitive Edge Introduction: Hormone supplements, commonly referred to as "performance enhancing drugs," are common ways that athletes gain competitive edges over their competitors. With your group, review the two case studies below and answer the associated questions. Case Study I: HGH use in the NFL. It is well known that many NFL players routinely use human growth hormone (HGH) supplements to improve their performance on the field. In recent years, the NFL Player's Association (NFLPA; their worker's union) has collectively opposed HGH testing of NFL players, despite the NFL wanting to include HGH on its banned substances list. To test for abnormal HGH levels, testers would take blood samples to determine if a player's blood HGH concentration was abnormally high. The NFLPA, however, believes that testing for HGH is inaccurate and will cause more problems than it is worth. 1. What physical benefit would NFL players gain by using HGH supplements? Why do you think HGH use in the NFL is so widespread?

Answer 1

NFL players might use HGH supplements for increased muscle mass, faster recovery, and better performance sustainability. HGH use is widespread despite potential health risks and being banned by the NFL, due to the significant performance benefits it provides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gaining the Competitive Edge: HGH Use in the NFL

NFL players might seek a physical benefit from human growth hormone (HGH) supplements to improve their performance. Benefits include increased muscle mass, enhanced healing of muscle tissues after strenuous exercise, and potentially faster recovery from muscle damage. This could lead to reduced rest required between activities, allowing players to sustain a higher level of performance over a longer period.

The widespread use of HGH in NFL could be attributed to its significant impact on performance enhancement. However, despite the possible benefits, HGH use is controversial due to the potential for unethical advantage, serious health risks, and it is banned by many sports organizations including NFL. The NFL Players' Association's objection over testing for HGH is primarily due to concerns about the accuracy of testing methods.