| Date | November 2018 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 18N.3.SL.tz0.4 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
| Command term | Define | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Define ergogenic aid.
Evaluate the use of beta blockers by athletes.
Markscheme
a substance/device/phenomenon that can improve an athlete’s performance ✔
Strengths:
«inhibit adrenaline and therefore» reduce nervousness/anxiety ✔
steady hand allows more motor control ✔
useful for target-based sports «such as archery, shooting, baseball pitching» ✔
Limitations:
illegal «in accordance with WADA code» ✔
can lead to cardiac arrest/excessive slowing of heart rate/ poor peripheral circulation ✔
erectile dysfunction ✔
digestive problems eg upset stomach/constipation/diarrhoea/nausea ✔
Candidates cannot be marked down for omitting limitations in this section.
Examiners report
Clear definitions provided.
This was answered reasonably well but many candidates only made three points in their evaluation and therefore restricted their marks for this question. There were a minority who did not understand what beta blockers do.
