Use of Complementary Medicine in Competitive Sports: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Although complementary medicine is frequently used in Germany, there is almost no information about complementary medicine use in competitive sports. The aim was to assess the use of complementary medicine among elite athletes in Germany. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study among athletes was performed between March 2012 and September 2013. Athletes of both sexes who visited a sports medical outpatient clinic in Munich, Bavaria were included. Data about the use of complementary medicine were collected by means of a standardized measurement instrument, the German version of the international complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire. Results: Of the 334 athletes (female 25%, mean age 20.2 ± 6.6 years) who completed all 4 sections of the questionnaire, 69% reported the use of at least one type of complementary medicine within the last 12 months. 505 athletes (female 26%, mean age 20.5 ± 7.0 years) completed at least one section of the questionnaire entirely. Within 12 months, the osteopath (11%), herbal medicine (17%), vitamins/minerals (32%), and relaxation techniques (15%) were the most frequently visited/used in relation to the respective sections of the questionnaire. Conclusion: Complementary medicine is frequently used by athletes in Germany. The efficacy, safety, and costs of complementary medicine should be investigated in clinical trials among athletes in the future.

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Analysis of knowledge and attitudes of the students of health and professional studies regarding the use of stimulative substances in sports

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp170214078s ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 76 (2) ◽

pp. 144-151

Author(s):

Goran Stojanovic ◽

Milica Vasiljevic-Blagojevic ◽

Zulfer Bahtijari ◽

Bratislav Stankovic ◽

Dragana Terzic-Markovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Elite Athletes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Competitive Sports ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Analysis Of Knowledge ◽

Professional Studies

Backrogund/Aim. Since the beginning of competitive sports, athletes have been trying to improve their abilities by taking various substances. The problem of using prohibited substances is not strictly tied to elite athletes; it is also present in the general population. The aim of this study was to test the knowledge and attitudes of the students regarding the use of stimulative substances and dietary supplements in sports. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among students at the College of Health and Professional Studies in Belgrade, Serbia. The data was collected by filling in an especially designed questionnaire. Results. Knowledge of prohibited substances and methods was characterized as ?good? with 24.2% of respondents, namely 8.09% of males and 16.1% of females; knowledge of the adverse effects of prohibited substances and methods on health was demonstrated by 17.7% (9.03% of male respondents and 8.72% of female respondents). Conclusion. Student population is not knowledgeable enough about the problems of prohibited substances use and their negative effects on one?s health. The comparative analysis of our and European researches on knowledge, attitudes and uses of prohibited substances show a rather uniform prevalence rate. Not being aware of the adverse effects shows the need to further educate students.

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