Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100411
Matthew Dunn , Joanna Wall Tweedie , Katinka van de Ven
{"title":"The next chapter of editorial stewardship","authors":"Matthew Dunn , Joanna Wall Tweedie , Katinka van de Ven","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100411","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100411"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100404
Vebjørn Nettum , Therese F. Mathisen , Gary Slater , Olivier Seynnes , Gøran Paulsen
This study aimed to investigate changes in lean body mass (LBM) and maximal strength during preparation for a physique contest season and one month post-season. Three drug-free male physique athletes were observed. Laboratory tests were conducted at various intervals: immediately before starting weight loss, 2 months, 1 month, and 1 week before their first contest, 1 week before their last contest, and 1 month post-season. Body composition was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioimpedance (BIA), and skinfold (SK) measurements. Muscle thickness (MT) of the elbow flexors and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus lateralis were evaluated via ultrasound. Strength assessments (isometric and isokinetic peak torque) were measured using a dynamometer. Blood biomarkers and dietary intake were also tracked. During the preparation phase, LBM decreased in all athletes: 1.7–5.3 kg (DXA), 4.3–8.5 kg (BIA), and 7.0–9.5 kg (SK). One month into recovery, LBM rapidly increased: 2.5–3.4 kg (DXA), 4.1–4.6 kg (BIA), and 3.4–5.5 kg (SK). Both MT and CSA decreased during preparation but increased during recovery. Maximal strength performance remained within expected day-to-day variation for isometric peak torque and isokinetic peak torque at 60°/s, but isokinetic peak torque at 240°/s exceeded expected variation, only partially restored post-contest. Testosterone levels decreased and sex-hormone binding globulin increased during preparation, with varying recovery. Reductions in LBM, MT, and CSA during caloric restriction were followed by rapid increases post-contest, resulting in negligible net changes from baseline. This provides evidence that highly trained individuals are able to retain contractile tissue during substantial weight loss following a daily caloric deficit of 500 kcal.
本研究旨在探讨在体能比赛季前准备和季后一个月期间，运动员的瘦体质量（LBM）和最大力量的变化。对3名男性禁药体质运动员进行了观察。在不同的时间间隔进行实验室测试：刚开始减肥前，第一次比赛前2个月、1个月和1周，最后一次比赛前1周，以及赛季后1个月。采用双能x线吸收仪（DXA）、生物阻抗（BIA）和皮褶（SK）测量评估体成分。超声检查肘关节屈肌厚度（MT）和股外侧肌横截面积（CSA）。强度评估（等距和等速峰值扭矩）使用测功机测量。血液生物标志物和饮食摄入也被跟踪。在准备阶段，所有运动员的体重都有所下降：1.7-5.3 kg (DXA), 4.3-8.5 kg （BIA）和7.0-9.5 kg （SK）。恢复1个月后，LBM迅速增加：2.5-3.4 kg (DXA), 4.1-4.6 kg （BIA）和3.4-5.5 kg （SK）。MT和CSA在准备过程中下降，但在恢复过程中增加。最大强度表现保持在60°/s时的等距峰值扭矩和等速峰值扭矩的预期日常变化范围内，但240°/s时的等速峰值扭矩超出了预期变化范围，仅在比赛后部分恢复。在准备过程中，睾酮水平下降，性激素结合球蛋白增加，恢复程度不同。在热量限制期间，LBM、MT和CSA的减少随后在比赛后迅速增加，导致与基线相比可以忽略不计的净变化。这提供了证据，证明训练有素的人能够在每天热量不足500千卡的情况下，在体重大幅减轻的情况下保持收缩组织。
{"title":"Lean body mass and maximal strength changes during physique contest preparation and recovery: A case series","authors":"Vebjørn Nettum , Therese F. Mathisen , Gary Slater , Olivier Seynnes , Gøran Paulsen","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate changes in lean body mass (LBM) and maximal strength during preparation for a physique contest season and one month post-season. Three drug-free male physique athletes were observed. Laboratory tests were conducted at various intervals: immediately before starting weight loss, 2 months, 1 month, and 1 week before their first contest, 1 week before their last contest, and 1 month post-season. Body composition was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioimpedance (BIA), and skinfold (SK) measurements. Muscle thickness (MT) of the elbow flexors and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus lateralis were evaluated via ultrasound. Strength assessments (isometric and isokinetic peak torque) were measured using a dynamometer. Blood biomarkers and dietary intake were also tracked. During the preparation phase, LBM decreased in all athletes: 1.7–5.3 kg (DXA), 4.3–8.5 kg (BIA), and 7.0–9.5 kg (SK). One month into recovery, LBM rapidly increased: 2.5–3.4 kg (DXA), 4.1–4.6 kg (BIA), and 3.4–5.5 kg (SK). Both MT and CSA decreased during preparation but increased during recovery. Maximal strength performance remained within expected day-to-day variation for isometric peak torque and isokinetic peak torque at 60°/s, but isokinetic peak torque at 240°/s exceeded expected variation, only partially restored post-contest. Testosterone levels decreased and sex-hormone binding globulin increased during preparation, with varying recovery. Reductions in LBM, MT, and CSA during caloric restriction were followed by rapid increases post-contest, resulting in negligible net changes from baseline. This provides evidence that highly trained individuals are able to retain contractile tissue during substantial weight loss following a daily caloric deficit of 500 kcal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100404"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145576961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100403
Andreas Küttel , Kristoffer Henriksen , Violetta Oblinger-Peters , Robert T.V. Book Jr. , Louise K. Storm
Little is known about how mental health and performance fluctuate within an athletic career depending on life events, career transitions, and other factors. This study aimed to explore what factors and experiences Danish elite athletes identify as being influential for their mental health and athletic performance throughout their careers. We conducted two semi-structured interviews, including participant-led career mapping exercises and mental health screenings, over two months with seven Danish elite athletes. For the purpose of this paper, we selected two cases (“Tina” and “Peter”) to provide detailed analyses and to offer insights into their career trajectories. Tina’s case highlights her recovery from a mental breakdown, emphasizing the protective role of sport’s structured environment and supportive relationships. Peter’s case illustrates his maturation through adversity, shifting from unhealthy coping mechanisms to mindfulness practices. Both athletes experienced significant fluctuations in mental health and performance, influenced by sport-related pressures, personal challenges, and external factors. The quantitative screenings over two months showed that anxiety and depression symptoms remained low for both athletes, while stress and well-being levels fluctuated. The findings underscore the non-linear relationship between mental health and performance, the impact of past experiences, and the importance of supportive environments. Diverse assessments and reflective exercises are recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of athletes’ mental health from a holistic perspective that can help practitioners support athletes’ thriving.
{"title":"Exploring mental health and performance dynamics in Danish elite athletes: Insights from two case studies","authors":"Andreas Küttel , Kristoffer Henriksen , Violetta Oblinger-Peters , Robert T.V. Book Jr. , Louise K. Storm","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Little is known about how mental health and performance fluctuate within an athletic career depending on life events, career transitions, and other factors. This study aimed to explore what factors and experiences Danish elite athletes identify as being influential for their mental health and athletic performance throughout their careers. We conducted two semi-structured interviews, including participant-led career mapping exercises and mental health screenings, over two months with seven Danish elite athletes. For the purpose of this paper, we selected two cases (“Tina” and “Peter”) to provide detailed analyses and to offer insights into their career trajectories. Tina’s case highlights her recovery from a mental breakdown, emphasizing the protective role of sport’s structured environment and supportive relationships. Peter’s case illustrates his maturation through adversity, shifting from unhealthy coping mechanisms to mindfulness practices. Both athletes experienced significant fluctuations in mental health and performance, influenced by sport-related pressures, personal challenges, and external factors. The quantitative screenings over two months showed that anxiety and depression symptoms remained low for both athletes, while stress and well-being levels fluctuated. The findings underscore the non-linear relationship between mental health and performance, the impact of past experiences, and the importance of supportive environments. Diverse assessments and reflective exercises are recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of athletes’ mental health from a holistic perspective that can help practitioners support athletes’ thriving.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100402
Arturo Franco-Andrés , Inés Rodríguez-Ferrero , Millán Aguilar-Navarro , Juan Del Coso , Elena García-Grimau , Philip Hurst , Jorge Domínguez-Carrión , Carolina García , Alejandro Muñoz
Athlete Support Personnel – ASP- (e.g., Coaches, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists) play a crucial role in shaping athletes’ decision to use prohibited performance enhancing substances. Many ASP will study a sports sciences degree prior to assisting athletes. However, the curricula of bachelor's degree programs in Sports Sciences seldom include dedicated academic training on anti-doping regulations or doping prevention strategies. This study assessed the effectiveness of an anti-doping education program, integrated into the Sports Sciences bachelor's curriculum of a Spanish university, in improving students' knowledge and retention of anti-doping principles. 81 bachelor’s students in Sports Science participated in a comprehensive multi-component educational intervention that included a 6-h lecture series on doping, anti-doping regulations, a 2-hour seminar on anti-doping testing procedures, a 2-h session focused on the risks associated with supplementation and the completion of a 20-h certified online course provided by the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission on the role of ASP to prevent doping. An adapted version of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Play True Quiz, consisting of 37 multiple-choice and true/false questions, was administered at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and at a six-month follow-up. Anti-doping knowledge measured with the questionnaire improved significantly following the intervention (from 62.2 ± 10.2 to 76.1 ± 12.5 points; p < 0.001). Although a decline was observed at the six-month follow-up, scores remained significantly higher than baseline (69.5 ± 11.3 points; p < 0.001). In conclusion, a structured, muti-modal anti-doping education program effectively improved anti-doping knowledge among Spanish bachelor’s students in Sports Sciences, with knowledge retention persisting over six months.
{"title":"Shaping the next generation of athlete support personnel in Spain: integrating a multi-modal anti-doping education program in bachelor's degree in sports sciences","authors":"Arturo Franco-Andrés , Inés Rodríguez-Ferrero , Millán Aguilar-Navarro , Juan Del Coso , Elena García-Grimau , Philip Hurst , Jorge Domínguez-Carrión , Carolina García , Alejandro Muñoz","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Athlete Support Personnel – ASP- (e.g., Coaches, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists) play a crucial role in shaping athletes’ decision to use prohibited performance enhancing substances. Many ASP will study a sports sciences degree prior to assisting athletes. However, the curricula of bachelor's degree programs in Sports Sciences seldom include dedicated academic training on anti-doping regulations or doping prevention strategies. This study assessed the effectiveness of an anti-doping education program, integrated into the Sports Sciences bachelor's curriculum of a Spanish university, in improving students' knowledge and retention of anti-doping principles. 81 bachelor’s students in Sports Science participated in a comprehensive multi-component educational intervention that included a 6-h lecture series on doping, anti-doping regulations, a 2-hour seminar on anti-doping testing procedures, a 2-h session focused on the risks associated with supplementation and the completion of a 20-h certified online course provided by the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission on the role of ASP to prevent doping. An adapted version of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Play True Quiz, consisting of 37 multiple-choice and true/false questions, was administered at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and at a six-month follow-up. Anti-doping knowledge measured with the questionnaire improved significantly following the intervention (from 62.2 ± 10.2 to 76.1 ± 12.5 points; <em>p</em> < 0.001). Although a decline was observed at the six-month follow-up, scores remained significantly higher than baseline (69.5 ± 11.3 points; <em>p</em> < 0.001). In conclusion, a structured, muti-modal anti-doping education program effectively improved anti-doping knowledge among Spanish bachelor’s students in Sports Sciences, with knowledge retention persisting over six months.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100402"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100397
Fríða Rún Einarsdóttir , Nanna Ýr Arnardóttir , Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir , Johanna Belz , Göran Kenttä , Mitchell Andersson , Richard E. Tahtinen
Self-compassion is associated with positive mental health outcomes and may buffer against negative self-evaluations and emotional difficulties. Nevertheless, studies among athletes often explore self-compassion in specific groups in isolation (e.g., women athletes) (Röthlin et al., 2019). The aims of this study were to 1) explore whether the relationship between gender and composite scores and specific dimensions of self-compassion (e.g., self-judgement) was moderated by athlete status; and 2) to explore the relationship between different dimensions of self-compassion and self-reported depressive symptoms and well-being among team sport athletes (n = 84, Mage = 22.9 ± 5.0; 57.1 %men) and non-athletes (n = 189, Mage = 35.5 ± 5.9; 32.8 %men). For our first aim, the relationship between gender and self-compassion (including specific dimensions) was not moderated by athlete status. However, regardless of gender, athletes reported significantly higher total self-compassion scores and significantly lower scores on specific dimensions of self-compassion, isolation, and over-identification, than non-athletes. For our second aim, self-judgement was positively associated with depressive symptoms in both athletes and non-athletes. Self-judgment was, however, negatively associated with well-being only among athletes, and isolation was negatively correlated with well-being only among non-athletes. Our results suggest that reducing self-judgement may be particularly important for promoting athletes’ mental health
{"title":"Self-compassion, depressive symptoms, and well-being: A cross-sectional exploration across athlete status and gender","authors":"Fríða Rún Einarsdóttir , Nanna Ýr Arnardóttir , Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir , Johanna Belz , Göran Kenttä , Mitchell Andersson , Richard E. Tahtinen","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Self-compassion is associated with positive mental health outcomes and may buffer against negative self-evaluations and emotional difficulties. Nevertheless, studies among athletes often explore self-compassion in specific groups in isolation (e.g., women athletes) (Röthlin et al., 2019). The aims of this study were to 1) explore whether the relationship between gender and composite scores and specific dimensions of self-compassion (e.g., self-judgement) was moderated by athlete status; and 2) to explore the relationship between different dimensions of self-compassion and self-reported depressive symptoms and well-being among team sport athletes (<em>n</em> = 84, M<sub>age</sub> = 22.9 ± 5.0; 57.1 %men) and non-athletes (<em>n</em> = 189, M<sub>age</sub> = 35.5 ± 5.9; 32.8 %men). For our first aim, the relationship between gender and self-compassion (including specific dimensions) was not moderated by athlete status. However, regardless of gender, athletes reported significantly higher total self-compassion scores and significantly lower scores on specific dimensions of self-compassion, isolation, and over-identification, than non-athletes. For our second aim, self-judgement was positively associated with depressive symptoms in both athletes and non-athletes. Self-judgment was, however, negatively associated with well-being only among athletes, and isolation was negatively correlated with well-being only among non-athletes. Our results suggest that reducing self-judgement may be particularly important for promoting athletes’ mental health</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100397"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100400
Danilo França Conceição-Santos , Markus Gerber , Christianne de Faria Coelho-Ravagnani , Juliana Murasaki , Larissa Registro da Costa , Sebastian Ludyga , Emerson Franchini
In 2017, the International Judo Federation (IJF) changed weigh-in rules, shifting the weigh-in to the day before competition and introducing random weigh-ins on competition day. However, the impact of these new rules remains unclear. This study compared the effects of these weigh-in procedures on body mass, nutritional intake, psychological aspects, and performance. Twenty-six judo athletes (night before weigh-in: n = 13; same day weigh-in: n = 13) were assessed for body mass, nutritional intake, psychological factors, and performance under two weigh-in conditions: the night before and in the same day of competition. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in the prevalence (77% vs. 75%) or magnitude (4.37% vs. 3.49 %) of rapid weight loss between the night before weigh-in group and the same day weigh-in group, respectively. However, the night weigh-in group presented a higher post-weigh-in energy intake (night weigh-in: 44.8 ± 11.1 kcal.kg-1.day-1 vs. same day weigh-in: 15.6 ± 10.4 kcal.kg-1. day-1) and carbohydrate intake (night weigh-in: 5.62 ± 1.38 g.kg-1. day-1 vs. same day weigh-in: 2.06 ± 1.40 g.kg-1. day-1) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the night weigh-in group exhibited higher response times in cognitive tasks at day +1 compared to day 10, in relation to the same day weigh-in group (p = 0.025; 95% CI diff = 1.79, 26.07), while technical performance did not differ between groups. These findings highlight the need for better nutrition management and awareness of the psychological risks associated with rapid weight loss practices in judo.
2017年，国际柔道联合会（IJF）改变了称重规则，将称重改为比赛前一天，并在比赛日引入随机称重。然而，这些新规定的影响尚不清楚。这项研究比较了这些称重程序对体重、营养摄入、心理方面和表现的影响。对26名柔道运动员（赛前一晚称重：n = 13；赛前一晚称重：n = 13）在赛前一晚和比赛当天两种称重条件下的体重、营养摄入、心理因素和表现进行了评估。体重快速下降的发生率（77% vs. 75%）和幅度（4.37% vs. 3.49%）在前一天晚上称重组和当天称重组之间没有显著差异（P > 0.05）。然而，夜间称重组在称重后的能量摄入更高（夜间称重：44.8±11.1 kcal.kg-1）。第1天与当天体重：15.6±10.4 kcal.kg-1。和碳水化合物摄入量（夜间体重：5.62±1.38 g.kg-1）。第1天与当天重量：2.06±1.40 g.kg-1。第一天)（p < 0.001）。此外，与当天称重组相比，夜间称重组在第1天的认知任务中表现出更高的反应时间（p = 0.025; 95% CI diff = 1.79, 26.07），而各组之间的技术表现没有差异。这些发现强调需要更好的营养管理和意识到与柔道快速减肥练习相关的心理风险。
{"title":"The impact of recovery time on body mass variations, dietary intake, cognitive aspects, and performance in judo athletes engaging in rapid weight loss practices","authors":"Danilo França Conceição-Santos , Markus Gerber , Christianne de Faria Coelho-Ravagnani , Juliana Murasaki , Larissa Registro da Costa , Sebastian Ludyga , Emerson Franchini","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2017, the International Judo Federation (IJF) changed weigh-in rules, shifting the weigh-in to the day before competition and introducing random weigh-ins on competition day. However, the impact of these new rules remains unclear. This study compared the effects of these weigh-in procedures on body mass, nutritional intake, psychological aspects, and performance. Twenty-six judo athletes (night before weigh-in: n = 13; same day weigh-in: n = 13) were assessed for body mass, nutritional intake, psychological factors, and performance under two weigh-in conditions: the night before and in the same day of competition. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in the prevalence (77% vs. 75%) or magnitude (4.37% vs. 3.49 %) of rapid weight loss between the night before weigh-in group and the same day weigh-in group, respectively. However, the night weigh-in group presented a higher post-weigh-in energy intake (night weigh-in: 44.8 ± 11.1 kcal.kg<sup>-1</sup>.day<sup>-1</sup> vs. same day weigh-in: 15.6 ± 10.4 kcal.kg<sup>-1</sup>. day<sup>-1</sup>) and carbohydrate intake (night weigh-in: 5.62 ± 1.38 g.kg<sup>-1</sup>. day<sup>-1</sup> vs. same day weigh-in: 2.06 ± 1.40 g.kg<sup>-1</sup>. day<sup>-1</sup>) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the night weigh-in group exhibited higher response times in cognitive tasks at day +1 compared to day 10, in relation to the same day weigh-in group (p = 0.025; 95% CI diff = 1.79, 26.07), while technical performance did not differ between groups. These findings highlight the need for better nutrition management and awareness of the psychological risks associated with rapid weight loss practices in judo.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100400"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100398
Werner Pitsch , Ask Vest Christiansen
In this study, we investigated regional differences in doping prevalence among recreational athletes in Northern and Southern Europe. Drawing on data from the largest survey to date on doping in recreational sport across six European countries (n = 3,043), the study challenges the common assumption that doping is more prevalent in Southern Europe than in Northern Europe. To estimate the prevalence of doping and the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drug use for performance enhancement, we applied the Randomized Response Technique (RRT). We specifically examined discrepancies between respondents perceived prevalence of doping and the prevalence estimated via RRT.
Participants from Southern Europe perceived national doping prevalence to be 27%, while the RRT estimated actual prevalence at only 0.5%. In contrast, participants from Northern Europe perceived national doping prevalence to be 10%, while the RRT estimated prevalence to be 6.3%.
To account for this unexpected pattern, we conducted additional analyses. However, controlling for variables such as competition level, sport type, and relative duration of participation did not explain the observed difference. Likewise, moral identity varied by region, but the differences did not align with the RRT-based estimates.
Our findings challenge prevailing models that link individual perceptions and attitudes to doping behavior and expose limitations in current understandings of how attitudes influence societal patterns. We argue that simplistic explanations may obscure more complex dynamics and call for more nuanced approaches in anti-doping research.
{"title":"Dope stereotypes: When perception runs south and prevalence points north","authors":"Werner Pitsch , Ask Vest Christiansen","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we investigated regional differences in doping prevalence among recreational athletes in Northern and Southern Europe. Drawing on data from the largest survey to date on doping in recreational sport across six European countries (n = 3,043), the study challenges the common assumption that doping is more prevalent in Southern Europe than in Northern Europe. To estimate the prevalence of doping and the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drug use for performance enhancement, we applied the Randomized Response Technique (RRT). We specifically examined discrepancies between respondents perceived prevalence of doping and the prevalence estimated via RRT.</div><div>Participants from Southern Europe perceived national doping prevalence to be 27%, while the RRT estimated actual prevalence at only 0.5%. In contrast, participants from Northern Europe perceived national doping prevalence to be 10%, while the RRT estimated prevalence to be 6.3%.</div><div>To account for this unexpected pattern, we conducted additional analyses. However, controlling for variables such as competition level, sport type, and relative duration of participation did not explain the observed difference. Likewise, moral identity varied by region, but the differences did not align with the RRT-based estimates.</div><div>Our findings challenge prevailing models that link individual perceptions and attitudes to doping behavior and expose limitations in current understandings of how attitudes influence societal patterns. We argue that simplistic explanations may obscure more complex dynamics and call for more nuanced approaches in anti-doping research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100398"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100396
Corinna S. Martarelli , Katja Rewitz , Wanja Wolff
Insufficient physical activity poses significant health risks, making it essential to understand psychological aspects influencing exercise engagement. Here, we examined the relationship between exercise boredom, the perceived value of physical effort, and self-reported exercise behavior. A cross-sectional online study with 351 participants (M = 30.58 years, SD = 10.82) assessed exercise boredom using the Bored of Sports Scale (BOSS) and the perceived value of physical effort using the Value of Physical Effort Scale (VoPE). Exercise behavior was measured as weekly minutes of sport activity. We found that both exercise boredom and the value of physical effort are relevant for exercise engagement, with the value of physical effort being a stable predictor and closely linked to exercise behavior. Bayesian network analysis further supported this, revealing that value of physical effort and exercise behavior clustered closely together, suggesting a robust relationship. Mediation analyses showed that the relationship between exercise boredom and exercise behavior was mediated by the perceived value of physical effort. Higher boredom levels were associated with a lower perceived value of physical effort, which in turn was positively linked to time spent exercising. The significant indirect effect suggests that boredom contributes to lower exercise engagement partly by reducing the perceived value of physical effort. These findings highlight the importance of addressing exercise boredom and enhancing the perceived value of physical effort to promote sustained physical activity and improve health outcomes.
{"title":"An analysis of the associations between boredom, effort value, and exercise behavior","authors":"Corinna S. Martarelli , Katja Rewitz , Wanja Wolff","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insufficient physical activity poses significant health risks, making it essential to understand psychological aspects influencing exercise engagement. Here, we examined the relationship between exercise boredom, the perceived value of physical effort, and self-reported exercise behavior. A cross-sectional online study with 351 participants (M = 30.58 years, SD = 10.82) assessed exercise boredom using the Bored of Sports Scale (BOSS) and the perceived value of physical effort using the Value of Physical Effort Scale (VoPE). Exercise behavior was measured as weekly minutes of sport activity. We found that both exercise boredom and the value of physical effort are relevant for exercise engagement, with the value of physical effort being a stable predictor and closely linked to exercise behavior. Bayesian network analysis further supported this, revealing that value of physical effort and exercise behavior clustered closely together, suggesting a robust relationship. Mediation analyses showed that the relationship between exercise boredom and exercise behavior was mediated by the perceived value of physical effort. Higher boredom levels were associated with a lower perceived value of physical effort, which in turn was positively linked to time spent exercising. The significant indirect effect suggests that boredom contributes to lower exercise engagement partly by reducing the perceived value of physical effort. These findings highlight the importance of addressing exercise boredom and enhancing the perceived value of physical effort to promote sustained physical activity and improve health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100396"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100399
Jimoon Kang
Background
Esports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry where minors increasingly compete alongside adults in high-stakes tournaments. Unlike traditional sports with established child protection frameworks, esports operates under fragmented governance with inconsistent age verification and welfare standards. This exposes youth participants to potential exploitation and health risks.
Objectives
This study examines the scope and outcomes of underage esports participation over 25 years. Specific aims include analyzing demographic trends, prize inequalities, platform and genre patterns, and career trajectories among youth competitors.
Methods
Analysis of 288,898 tournament records from Esports Earnings (2000–2024) identified 33,922 instances of competitors under the age of 18. The Gini coefficient assessed prize inequality. Longitudinal tracking of 3,426 players examined career transitions from minor to adult competition. Cross-tabulations analyzed participation patterns across platforms (PC, console, mobile) and genres.
Results
Late adolescents (16–17 years) comprised 79 % of minor participants, with females representing only 0.80 %. Minors collectively earned $87 million, yet prize distribution was highly skewed (Gini = 0.8771). The top 1 % of minor earners claimed 38.93 % of total earnings. Mobile platforms (13.78 % minor participation) and sports/battle royale genres (29.24 % and 21.13 % respectively) showed disproportionately high youth representation. Among players continuing past age 18, 74.34 % achieved higher adult earnings. However, career spans averaged only 3.2–5.6 years depending on entry age. Earliest entrants (<13) achieved longest careers (5.6 years) yet represented the smallest cohort (n = 70).
Conclusions
Extreme prize inequality, severe gender disparities, compressed career trajectories, and fragmented governance create high-risk environments for youth esports participants. Findings underscore the need for protective frameworks including age-appropriate competitive structures, mandatory age verification, and practice limitations. Standardized child-labor protections are essential to balance competitive opportunities with youth wellbeing.
{"title":"Underage, underpaid, and unprotected: A 25-year analysis of youth participation in esports","authors":"Jimoon Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Esports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry where minors increasingly compete alongside adults in high-stakes tournaments. Unlike traditional sports with established child protection frameworks, esports operates under fragmented governance with inconsistent age verification and welfare standards. This exposes youth participants to potential exploitation and health risks.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study examines the scope and outcomes of underage esports participation over 25 years. Specific aims include analyzing demographic trends, prize inequalities, platform and genre patterns, and career trajectories among youth competitors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Analysis of 288,898 tournament records from Esports Earnings (2000–2024) identified 33,922 instances of competitors under the age of 18. The Gini coefficient assessed prize inequality. Longitudinal tracking of 3,426 players examined career transitions from minor to adult competition. Cross-tabulations analyzed participation patterns across platforms (PC, console, mobile) and genres.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Late adolescents (16–17 years) comprised 79 % of minor participants, with females representing only 0.80 %. Minors collectively earned $87 million, yet prize distribution was highly skewed (Gini = 0.8771). The top 1 % of minor earners claimed 38.93 % of total earnings. Mobile platforms (13.78 % minor participation) and sports/battle royale genres (29.24 % and 21.13 % respectively) showed disproportionately high youth representation. Among players continuing past age 18, 74.34 % achieved higher adult earnings. However, career spans averaged only 3.2–5.6 years depending on entry age. Earliest entrants (<13) achieved longest careers (5.6 years) yet represented the smallest cohort (<em>n</em> = 70).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Extreme prize inequality, severe gender disparities, compressed career trajectories, and fragmented governance create high-risk environments for youth esports participants. Findings underscore the need for protective frameworks including age-appropriate competitive structures, mandatory age verification, and practice limitations. Standardized child-labor protections are essential to balance competitive opportunities with youth wellbeing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100399"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100390
Etienne Grobler , Cheneal Puljević , Benjamin Bonenti , Jason Ferris , Monica J. Barratt , Adam Winstock , Steve Vigorous , Amber Domberelli , Geoff Spurling , Timothy Piatkowski
Background
Anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) consumption is associated with significant physical and psychological health risks, often linked to unregulated supply chains and difficulty accessing informed healthcare. Therefore, this study examines how healthcare access difficulties and independently testing AAS purity and content relate to self-reported undesirable effects among AAS consumers.
Methods
Data from 854 respondents (95.6% male) reporting past-year AAS consumption in the 2024 Global Drug Survey were analysed. Respondents provided information on healthcare access, AAS testing behaviours, and undesirable physical (e.g., cardiovascular) and psychological (e.g., mood disturbances) effects. Chi-squared tests assessed differences across four groups defined by combinations of difficulty accessing healthcare and AAS testing.
Results
Respondents not testing their AAS and experiencing difficulty accessing healthcare (n = 196) reported significantly higher frequencies of several undesirable effects compared to the other three groups (n = 102–390). Significant differences were observed for decreased sexual function (χ² (3) = 10.19, p = .017, φc = 0.109), decreased fertility (χ² (3) = 11.54, p = .009, φc = 0.116), negative impacts on sexual organs (χ² (3) = 8.08, p = .044, φc = 0.097), anger/aggression (χ² (3) = 13.27, p = .004, φc = 0.125), depression/low mood (χ² (3) = 10.62, p = .014, φc = 0.112), and irritability (χ² (3) = 8.66, p = .034, φc = 0.101).
Conclusion
Difficulties accessing healthcare and not testing AAS are associated with higher reported AAS-related undesirable effects, though consumer-specific and contextual factors may be central. These findings highlight the need to address systemic and psychosocial barriers to reduce AAS-related harms.
{"title":"Associations between anabolic-androgenic steroid testing, healthcare access and undesirable effects among international consumers","authors":"Etienne Grobler , Cheneal Puljević , Benjamin Bonenti , Jason Ferris , Monica J. Barratt , Adam Winstock , Steve Vigorous , Amber Domberelli , Geoff Spurling , Timothy Piatkowski","doi":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peh.2025.100390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) consumption is associated with significant physical and psychological health risks, often linked to unregulated supply chains and difficulty accessing informed healthcare. Therefore, this study examines how healthcare access difficulties and independently testing AAS purity and content relate to self-reported undesirable effects among AAS consumers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from 854 respondents (95.6% male) reporting past-year AAS consumption in the 2024 Global Drug Survey were analysed. Respondents provided information on healthcare access, AAS testing behaviours, and undesirable physical (e.g., cardiovascular) and psychological (e.g., mood disturbances) effects. Chi-squared tests assessed differences across four groups defined by combinations of difficulty accessing healthcare and AAS testing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Respondents not testing their AAS and experiencing difficulty accessing healthcare (<em>n</em> = 196) reported significantly higher frequencies of several undesirable effects compared to the other three groups (<em>n</em> = 102–390). Significant differences were observed for decreased sexual function (χ² (3) = 10.19, <em>p</em> = .017, φc = 0.109), decreased fertility (χ² (3) = 11.54, <em>p</em> = .009, φc = 0.116), negative impacts on sexual organs (χ² (3) = 8.08, <em>p</em> = .044, φc = 0.097), anger/aggression (χ² (3) = 13.27, <em>p</em> = .004, φc = 0.125), depression/low mood (χ² (3) = 10.62, <em>p</em> = .014, φc = 0.112), and irritability (χ² (3) = 8.66, <em>p</em> = .034, φc = 0.101).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Difficulties accessing healthcare and not testing AAS are associated with higher reported AAS-related undesirable effects, though consumer-specific and contextual factors may be central. These findings highlight the need to address systemic and psychosocial barriers to reduce AAS-related harms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19886,"journal":{"name":"Performance enhancement and health","volume":"14 1","pages":"Article 100390"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145468918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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