Medication use by athletes during the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Doping Control
• Paralympic Athletics

Background:

• Understanding supplement and medication use in elite athletes is crucial for fair play and athlete health.
• Limited research exists on the specific patterns of use among elite Paralympic athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and patterns of food supplement and pharmaceutical preparation use among elite Paralympic athletes.
• To compare consumption patterns with those of Olympic athletes.

Main Methods:

• A survey study conducted at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.
• Data collected via doping control records and therapeutic use exemption applications.
• Classification of supplements by active ingredient and medications by therapeutic action.

Main Results:

• 64.2% of athletes declared use of medications or supplements, with most using fewer than four.
• Food supplements were popular (42.1%); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics were common.
• Inhaled beta2-agonist use (4.8%) was notably higher than in the Olympic Games.

Conclusions:

• Paralympic athletes demonstrate a rational approach to supplement and medication use, similar to Olympic athletes.
• Consumption trends remain unclear due to a lack of extensive research in this population.
• Counseling on nutritional needs and close monitoring by healthcare professionals are essential for athletes with disabilities.