Performance enhancement and health最新文献

The consumption of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) by competitive and non-competitive bodybuilders is relatively common, yet there is diverse and often conflicting evidence on the short- and long-term side-effects of AAS abuse. We aimed at assessing the impact of AAS use (supraphysiological doses/schedule) on adult bodybuilders by means of a broad systematic review and evidence gap mapping (CRD42023401245). Electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were performed (Apr-2024). The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. An evidence gap map considering the most reported parameters (e.g., liver, kidney, hematopoietic system) was built. Twenty-two studies (1,023 bodybuilders, of which 662 AAS-users) published between 1987 and 2022, mostly by North America (n = 5 studies; 22.7 %) and West Asia (n = 5; 22.7 %) and mainly designed as cross-sectional case-controls (n = 17; 77.3 %) were synthesized. Testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol were the most consumed substances. Altogether, studies reported at least 30 different parameters. Although some parameters, such as urea levels, did not significantly differ between AAS users vs. nonusers (p > 0.05), an increase in both serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases and a decrease in follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones (p < 0.05) were reported in AAS users. Evidence is conflicting on the effect of steroids on cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Very few studies reported data on hematological parameters. The overall methodological quality of the studies was judged as weak-to-moderate. Further larger and well-designed studies to properly inform about the benefits and risks of AAS on other outcomes are still needed.

The use of dietary supplements (e.g., caffeine, creatine, dietary nitrate) has shown to be related to the intention to dope (e.g., amphetamines, anabolic steroids, erythropoietin). In this study, we integrated elements of the theory of planned behaviour to better understand the relationship between dietary supplement use and doping intention. Specifically, we tested whether dietary supplement use is indirectly related to doping via doping attitudes, doping subjective norms, and doping perceived behavioural control. Competitive athletes (N = 443; 46 % female, age = 27.0 ± 8.6 years old, years competing = 8.3 ± 3.5) completed measures of dietary supplement use, doping attitudes, doping subjective norms, doping perceived behavioural control, and doping intention. Parallel mediation analysis indicated that dietary supplement use was not directly related to doping intention, but instead was indirectly related via doping attitudes (effect size = 0.15), doping subjective norms (effect size = 0.17), and doping perceived behavioural control (effect size = 0.15). Contrast analyses reported no differences between each indirect effect. Our results suggest that athletes who use dietary supplements report stronger intentions to dope, which is related to more favourable doping attitudes, a greater social pressure to dope, and a perceived ease in which to dope.

This study examined the frequency of attitudes and behaviours characteristic of eating disorders as well as the self-regulation of eating attitudes in exercising women practicing three types of sport considered as at-risk for disordered eating (artistic, endurance or combat) at recreational or competitive level. The 135 participants were asked to complete the EAT-26, the SREASS (Self-Regulation of Eating Attitudes in Sports Scale) and to self-report their current and ideal weights. General linear models (GLM) showed different main effects of the type of sport on EAT scores (F = 45.27; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.41), continuous SREASS scores (F = 30.25; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.32), but not on the Δ weight values. GLM revealed a significant main effect of the level of sport participation on EAT scores (F = 6.11; p < 0.015; η2 = 0.04) and on Δ weight values (F = 9.37; p = 0.003; η2 = 0.068). No significant effect was found on continuous SREASS scores. There was no evidence of an interaction effect of the type and the level of sport participation on EAT and continuous SREASS scores. But a significant interaction effect was observed for Δ weight values (F = 3.63; p =0.02; η2 = 0.05). The endurance group showed the greatest frequency of disrupted eating attitudes and behaviours compared to the artistic (Mean Difference = 11.87; p < 0.001) and the combat group (Mean Difference = 12.44; p < 0.001). SREASS scores suggested “underregulated” and “overregulated” eating attitudes in participants practicing a combat or an endurance sport.

The specific characteristics of each sport may influence DE and regulation of eating attitudes in exercising women. Competitive settings could enhance the likelihood of disordered eating development. Additional research is necessary to identify protective factors and implement preventive measures in vulnerable sports.

The use of cognitive enhancement has been rising in recent years. While this increase is well-documented, most existing research primarily focuses on university students.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the types and frequencies of cognitive enhancer use in the Portuguese population, the cognitive functions that participants intended to enhance, and the specific contexts of usage.

Method

A total of 623 Portuguese people completed an online survey distributed through social media and sent by web mailing. The survey focused on the frequency of cognitive enhancer use, the cognitive functions participants aimed to enhance, and the contexts in which enhancers were used.

Results

Except for electronic devices, the most common frequency of use for all cognitive enhancers was never. Among the cognitive enhancers that were used, the most prevalent were electronic devices, coffee, and sleep hygiene. There is a negative correlation between the participants’ age and sleep hygiene and specific music for cognitive enhancement. Female participants were more likely to use natural products, specific foods, and supplements, while male participants were more likely to use physical activity and energy drinks. The most frequently enhanced cognitive function was attention, followed by memory. University students tended to enhance attention more frequently than employed participants and work-study participants. During more demanding periods of work or study, 21.1 % of participants always used strategies to enhance cognition, 24.6 % used them often, and 22.5 % never used them.

Discussion

Overall, the use of cognitive enhancement strategies in Portugal seems to be limited. However, achieving a more accurate quantification requires employing representative sampling techniques within the broader population. Among the various strategies used, non-pharmacological enhancers predominate. Coffee stands out as one of the more frequently used strategies. The consumption of prescription drugs for cognitive enhancement is very low, contrasting with studies in other countries.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been shown that the postponement had various negative effects on athletes in Europe and North America. Based on phenomenological and cognitive appraisal theories, the present study explores how Kazakhstani elite athletes experienced the postponement, and the effect of the pandemic on their mental health, dietary behaviour, physical activity, and preparations for the 2020 games. We conducted a qualitative study comprising individual in-depth interviews of 20 ‘qualified’ Kazakhstani elite athletes (8 females; age range: 20–35, M = 26.45, SD = 5.17 years). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: mixed initial appraisal, adjustment disorder symptoms, and resilience factors in preparation. Participants had mixed initial appraisal of the postponement with most appraising the postponement negatively. They described symptoms of adjustment disorder such as psychological distress, and poorer training and diet. Coping with stress and high motivation was important for participants during the pandemic. Most participants explained that support from coaches and other team personnel was very valuable in their preparation during the pandemic. Also, adaptation to the restrictions of the pandemic was crucial to participants in their preparation. Our study provides empirical evidence of the perspectives of Kazakhstani elite athletes regarding the 2020 games postponement and their preparation during the pandemic. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Weight-category athletes (e.g. boxers, wrestlers, jockeys etc.) who engage in weight-making practices to compete are at risk of encountering negative physiological and psychological consequences. There is evidence to support safer weight-making strategies for these athletes; however, there appears to be poor adherence to these evidence-based methods. The aim of this review article is to identify the behavioural determinants which lead to athletes’ engagement and adherence in various weight-making practices amongst weight-category sports. A narrative review was conducted with articles screened for inclusion until February 2023. Twenty-three articles met the criteria for inclusion within this review. This review highlights the broad socio-cultural influences on athletes being introduced to weight-making from a young age and the continued engagement with these practices due to their wide cultural acceptance. Psychological factors such as perceived competence and confidence influence positive beliefs related to weight-making practices, further engraining them within the cultural sphere of weight-category sports. Recommendations related to future research and for practitioners within these sports are proposed throughout the article. Recommendations relate to such areas as further identification of barriers and facilitators to safer weight-making with weight-category athletes, education on the impact of weight-making for athlete support personnel, and psychological skills training to overcome periods of self-regulatory fatigue.

Using a qualitative design, the aim of the current research was to examine specialist defence and security personnel's perspectives on the operationalization, measurement, and training of resilient performance. Specialist personnel working in defence and security settings often have to perform under high levels of demand. To date, few studies have examined the nature of resilient performance in these settings based on in-depth perspectives from personnel themselves. A sample of 17 participants were recruited comprising eight military, three intelligence, and six police firearms personnel. Semi structured interviews were conducted with participants. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Seven themes were identified, these included: markers of resilient performance (theme 1), enablers (theme 2), and disablers (theme 3) of resilient performance, dynamic resilient performance processes related to resources (theme 4) and demands (theme 5), measuring resilient performance (theme 6), and training resilient performance (theme 7). This paper is the first of its kind to openly report perspectives of resilient performance from those involved with specialist groups within the defence and security community. Findings from this work can aid progress in the study of resilient defence and security performance that helps meet the needs of end-users.