Blood doping, or the infusion of autologous blood into trained athletes, has been theorized to increase endurance capacity. However, a review of 16 studies which have investigated various aspects relative to the effect of blood doping on endurance capacity and related physiological and psychological parameters, such as exercise HR, VO2max, and ratings of perceived exertion, has revealed inconsistent results. Due to the fact that most research designs employed to date have experienced some methodological irregularities, the efficiency of blood doping as an ergogenic aid for athletes has not been established.
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