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Beta-blockers are a class of drugs
which decrease blood pressure and pulse and are used to treat high
blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical problems.
Beta-blockers also decrease the response of the body to fear or
threat, known as the "fight or flight response." This response
usually causes anxiety, tremor, and increased pulse and blood
pressure.
The fight or flight response can impair
activities such as musical performance and competitive shooting
which require concentration and precise movement. Even
top musical performers may have performance anxiety or "stage
fright," a type of fight or flight response. Several studies have
shown that beta-blockers improve musical performance, probably by
reducing anxiety, tremor, and elevated pulse. Performance
enhancement has been demonstrated with a variety of instruments,
including strings, wind and brass, and piano.
Similarly, beta-blockers improve
competitive shooting performance, an activity which requires intense
concentration, precise muscle control, and suppression of anxiety and
tremor. The International Olympic Committee has banned the use of
beta-blockers by shooting sports competitors.
Beta-blockers should only be used under
medical supervision.
© Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved.
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Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987), the
greatest violinist of the 20th century, did not need beta-blockers to
perform.
-Photo courtesy of the Jascha Heifetz
Society. www.jaschaheifetzsociety.org
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Competitive shooting requires intense
concentration, precise muscle control,
and suppression of anxiety and
tremor.
-Photo US Army.
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