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The adolescent athlete and ergogenic aids.
Summary
Adolescent athletes may misuse dangerous ergogenic aids like amphetamines and anabolic steroids. Physicians should discuss these performance enhancers and supplements during preparticipation exams to provide guidance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ergogenic aids are substances or devices used to enhance athletic performance.
- Adolescent athletes are a vulnerable population for substance misuse.
- Preparticipation physical examinations are a key opportunity for physician guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify ergogenic aids most likely misused by adolescents.
- To highlight the risks associated with ergogenic aid misuse in young athletes.
- To emphasize the role of physicians in educating adolescent athletes about ergogenic aids.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ergogenic aid use in adolescents.
- Analysis of reported side effects and prevalence of misuse.
- Focus on substances with significant health risks.
Main Results:
- Amphetamines and anabolic/androgenic steroids pose the most serious health risks due to potential misuse.
- Adolescents are also frequently targeted with expensive, ineffective vitamin and protein supplements.
- Physicians have a critical role in addressing ergogenic aid use during routine examinations.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must proactively discuss ergogenic aids with adolescent athletes.
- Anticipatory guidance during preparticipation physicals can mitigate risks associated with performance-enhancing substances.
- Education on the dangers of misused ergogenic aids is crucial for young athletes' health and safety.