<P> Performance - enhancing substances , also known as performance - enhancing drugs ( PED ) , are substances that are used to improve any form of activity performance in humans . A well - known example involves doping in sport , where banned physical performance -- enhancing drugs are used by athletes and bodybuilders . Athletic performance - enhancing substances are sometimes referred to as ergogenic aids . Cognitive performance - enhancing drugs , commonly called nootropics , are sometimes used by students to improve academic performance . Performance - enhancing substances are also used by military personnel to enhance combat performance . </P>
what is the definition of performance enhancing drugs
substances that are used to improve any form of activity performance in humans