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Analgesic Use in Sports
Dieter Leyk1, Thomas Rüther, Nadine Hartmann
1German Sport University Cologne, Research Group Epidemiology of Performance, Cologne; University of Koblenz; Bundeswehr Institute for Preventive Medicine, Division A Applied Health Promotion, Andernach; Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Koblenz; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Deutsches Arzteblatt International
|January 19, 2023
Summary
Painkiller use is common in elite sports, with prevalence varying by sport. While prevalent in professional athletes, analgesic use is rare in amateur sports, highlighting a need for education and advertising restrictions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Painkiller consumption is widespread in Germany, with millions using analgesics daily and a significant number addicted.
- Analgesic use is suspected in sports, even without pain, necessitating an investigation into athlete practices.
Approach:
- A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA and PICO(S) criteria.
- Databases searched included PubMed and SURF, with identified publications evaluated using NOS and AMSTAR tools.
Key Points:
- Analgesic use is prevalent in elite sports, with prevalence ranging from 2.8% in professional tennis to 54.2% in professional soccer.
- Prophylactic pain medication use occurs in some non-elite competitive sports.
- Data on amateur athletes are limited, but monthly analgesic use in connection with sports was reported by 2.1% of endurance athletes.
Conclusions:
- Analgesic use is a significant issue in professional and competitive sports.
- Pain medication consumption appears infrequent in amateur sports.
- Increased education and advertising restrictions are recommended due to rising harmful analgesic use and addiction in the general population.
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