Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice?

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Sports Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Psychedelic-assisted therapies demonstrate efficacy in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders with favorable safety profiles.
• Athletes face significant stress and pressure, increasing their vulnerability to mental health conditions.
• The impact of psychedelic substances on athletic performance and physiological parameters remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential effects of psychedelic substances on athletic performance.
• To identify crucial research directions for evaluating physical and physiological outcomes.
• To investigate potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of psychedelics.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical data suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and ayahuasca.
• Identification of scarce research on classical psychedelics and MDMA concerning athletic performance metrics.
• Proposal for future research including animal models, athletes, and non-athletes under regulatory frameworks.

Main Results:

• Preclinical evidence indicates potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of certain psychedelics.
• Limited data exists on the impact of psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca, MDMA) on athletic performance indicators.
• Gaps in knowledge regarding effects on muscle strength, coordination, endurance, and metabolic functions.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential to evaluate the impact of psychedelic substances on athletic performance and physiological health.
• Studies should compare psychedelics with other psychoactive drugs used by athletes.
• Investigating potential prophylactic and regenerative benefits of psychedelics in athletic contexts is warranted.