The effects of permitted forms of performance enhancement on determinants of doping in UK student-athletes

Summary: 

The project explored how non-prohibited performance enhancement methods, like nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medications, might influence attitudes towards doping among university athletes in the UK. The research aimed to understand whether these legal methods could act as gateways to doping and how they might be used as alternatives to prohibited substances. The study also sought to identify effective ways to educate athletes about performance enhancement to prevent doping.

Methodology

The research was conducted in two main parts. The first part involved interviews and focus groups with university athletes to gather insights into their knowledge and use of both legal and illegal performance enhancement methods. This qualitative approach helped identify themes related to diet, supplement use, and potential gateway effects leading to doping. The second part was a longitudinal study that tracked athletes over time to see how their use of legal performance enhancers affected their attitudes towards doping. This involved collecting data from two groups of athletes at different times and analyzing changes in their attitudes and behaviors.

Results

The study found that many university athletes use legal performance enhancers like protein supplements and vitamins. However, there is a concern that these could lead to more favorable attitudes towards doping. The research showed that athletes with lower moral opposition to doping and higher functional attitudes towards it were more likely to disengage morally, making them more susceptible to doping. The findings also highlighted the need for better education on nutrition and performance enhancement, suggesting that interventions should focus on teaching athletes how to support their performance through diet and safe supplement use.

Significance for Clean Sport

This project provides valuable insights into how legal performance enhancement methods can influence doping attitudes. By understanding these dynamics, sports organizations can develop more effective education programs that promote clean sport. The research emphasizes the importance of early education on nutrition and performance enhancement, delivered by qualified professionals, to prevent athletes from turning to doping. These findings can help shape policies and interventions that encourage athletes to pursue performance enhancement through safe and legal means, supporting the integrity of sports.