Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐intoxicating phytocannabinoid which has been proposed to possess anti‐inflammatory and analgesic properties. Given the potential for perceptions of pain to limit exercise ...performance, the aim of the present study was to investigate if 3 weeks of daily CBD supplementation (150 mg day−1) improved performance in a 10‐min performance‐trial on a cycle ergometer. In a randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study, 22 healthy participants (n = 11 male and n = 11 female) completed two 10‐min performance trials on a WattBike cycle ergometer interspersed with a 3‐week supplementation period. Supplementation involved either 150 mg day−1 oral CBD or 150 mg day−1 of a visually identical placebo (PLA). During trials, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BLa) were collected every 2 min. Mean power (W) was also taken throughout the exercise at each time point. All data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVAs. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between CBD or PLA groups for mean power (W) during the 10‐min performance trial. There were also no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the physiological or perceptual parameters (HR, BLa and RPE) between conditions. Three weeks supplementation of a broad‐spectrum CBD supplement did not improve performance via any change in RPE during a 10‐min time trial on a cycle ergometer, and as such, this evidence does not support the claim that broad‐spectrum CBD supplements could be performance‐enhancing in this exercise modality.
Highlights
3 weeks supplementation of 150 mg/day broad‐spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) does not influence perceived exertion during a 10‐min aerobic performance trial.
3 weeks supplementation of 150 mg/day broad CBD does not improve physical performance in a 10‐min aerobic performance trial
Athletes should continue abstinence of “Off‐the‐shelf” CBD supplements to avoid anti‐doping rule violations from The World Anti‐Doping Agency.
Purpose
Many athletes use long‐acting beta2‐agonist formoterol in treatment of asthma. However, studies in non‐athlete cohorts demonstrate that inhaled formoterol can enhance sprint performance ...calling into question whether its use in competitive sports should be restricted. We investigated whether formoterol at upper recommended inhaled doses (54 μg) would enhance sprint ability and intense exercise performance in elite cyclists.
Methods
Twenty‐one male cyclists (V̇O2max: 70.4 ± 4.3 mL × min−1 × kg−1, mean ± SD) completed two 6‐s all‐out sprints followed by 4‐min all‐out cycling after inhaling either 54 μg formoterol or placebo. We also assessed cyclists' leg muscle mass by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle fiber type distribution of vastus lateralis biopsies.
Results
Peak and mean power output during the 6‐s sprint was 32 W (95% CI, 19–44 W, p < 0.001) and 36 W (95% CI, 24–48 W, p < 0.001) higher with formoterol than placebo, corresponding to an enhancing effect of around 3%. Power output during 4‐min all‐out cycling was 9 W (95% CI, 2–16 W, p = 0.01) greater with formoterol than placebo, corresponding to an enhancing effect of 2.3%. Performance changes in response to formoterol were unrelated to cyclists' VO2max and leg lean mass, whereas muscle fiber Type I distribution correlated with change in sprinting peak power in response to formoterol (r2 = 0.314, p = 0.012).
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that an inhaled one‐off dose of 54 μg formoterol has a performance‐enhancing potential on sprint ability and short intense performance in elite male cyclists, which is irrespective of training status but partly related to muscle fiber type distribution for sprint ability.
The Japan Anti-Doping Agency established a certification system of sports pharmacist (hereafter,SP) in 2009, which certifies pharmacists as professionals with the most up-to-date information on ...anti-doping guidelines. Despite the fact that the number of certified SP is increasing, few studies examined awareness of SP or the usefulness of SP for athletes and individuals involved in sports. This study used a snowball sampling survey to identify sports trainersʼcurrent awareness for SP in connection with their anti-doping activity.(Result) Of the respondents, 51.0% had experienced related to anti-doping activity, and 87.8% had experience of receive a question in regard to health problems from athletes. The recognition rate of SP was 85.8%, and high expectation of expertise among SP in terms of anti-doping knowledge for medications and nutritional supplements was revealed. Trainers seek easy access to SP consultation, as well as face-to-face communication.(Conclusion) This study revealed that trainers were involved in health consultations from athletes and antidoping activity. The recognition rate of SP and expectations of them were high. For more effective usage of SP, accessibility to them should be improved and direct relationships between trainers and SP need to be built.
Established in 1999, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was an ambitious project to harmonise anti-doping regulations globally. Since its creation, WADA has engaged in additional activities such as ...investigating doping allegations, managing whistleblowers and coordinating with national and international customs organisations. These activities demonstrate ‘mission creep’, a term denoting that WADA’s purpose has broadened from its original responsibilities. Lawrence (2008) argues that the relationship between an international non-governmental organisation’s legitimacy to regulate an issue and mission creep is related to its means (i.e., physical and non-physical resources) and effectiveness. This article explores how WADA’s mission creep has influenced its perceived legitimacy as the regulator of anti-doping, globally. Following analysis of 14 interviews with occupationally and globally diverse anti-doping professionals, three themes were identified: code implementation, representation, and conflicts of interest. It is argued that the legitimacy of WADA to regulate anti-doping has been weakened due to tensions created by responding to emerging challenges in order to maintain legitimacy, whilst trying to secure means. These tensions have diverted resources to new activities and, therefore, reduced WADA’s effectiveness in other activities; paradoxically undermining its legitimacy. Consequently, it is advised that WADA prioritises its responsibilities, looks for additional sources of means and addresses democratic deficiencies.
In April 2017, at a meeting between Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) representatives and representatives from winter sport International Federations (IFs), CAS announced that it intended to ...establish a permanent anti-doping division, to be operational by the 2020 Summer Olympics, to handle the adjudication of all “first-instance” arbitration hearings involving alleged violations of the World Anti-Doping Code. Spurred by the creation of the CAS Anti-Doping Division at the 2016 Olympic Games, to replace the hearing process formerly conducted by the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) Disciplinary Commission at prior Olympic Games, this model stands to offer several benefits, including, for example, more uniform treatment of athletes on a global stage, and a uniform panel of qualified arbitrators to decide all first-instance anti-doping matters. CAS’ plan also raises several questions and potential concerns, which include, but are not limited to: the elimination of credible and effective first-instance tribunals set up by certain National Anti-Doping Organizations (“NADOs”) and International Federations (“IFs”); the potential for increased cost to athletes for first-instance hearings; and whether appeals to CAS from a CAS first-instance tribunal can truly offer de novo appellate review. Though there appears to be no intent to eradicate NADOs or their testing authority in the near future, should the IOC and/or a majority of International Federations require the use of a permanent CAS anti-doping division to hear first-instance anti-doping cases, this paper outlines what such an approach could mean for the adjudication of anti-doping matters in sport.
The World Anti-Doping Agency aims to promote clean sport through the introduction and implementation of harmonised rules under the World Anti-Doping Code, 2021 (the Code). Since WADA relies heavily ...on National Anti-Doping Organisations to implement the Code, the experience of anti-doping differs across countries. Some scholars argue that the current framework disproportionately impacts athletes from developing countries. This paper contributes to this debate by analysing systemic issues in the implementation of the Code in one such country—India. The legitimacy of anti-doping in India has been questioned as a result of the recent suspension of the National Dope-Testing Laboratory, a series of false positive tests, accusations of significant procedural and substantive errors by domestic tribunals, and access to justice challenges. Given the prevalence of doping in India, alongside the accumulation of recent controversies and push for reform, a deeper analysis of anti-doping in the country is warranted. The lack of compliance in India with certain requirements set out in the Code, as well as the failure to meet “best practice” standards set by other jurisdictions, is evidence that there is a lack of harmonisation in implementing anti-doping rules and procedures across countries. This paper contributes to the debate on the impact that a lack of harmonisation in the implementation of the Code can have on the legitimacy of the anti-doping framework. From a policy perspective, the proposed research agenda and recommendations can be applied to promote reform in India and other jurisdictions, especially in developing and emerging countries.
Doping in sport is a global phenomenon with high levels of prevalence among Rugby Union players. This research is underpinned by a Bioecological and dispositionalist-contextual conception of ...socialisation to explore the 'doping behaviours' of young rugby players in South Africa. Qualitative data emanated from the thematic analysis of case studies between 2011 and 2022 featuring 14 detailed records, and interviews conducted with 14 representatives of coaches, players, medical staff, the South African Institute of Drug-free Sport (SAIDS) and a senior member of the rugby players' union. Nine themes emerged from the analysis of the two qualitative data sets. These are: (i) a competitive sport environment causing stress and the continuous pressure to perform optimally; (ii) player vulnerable evidenced in their accessibility and disposition for external influences; (iii) supplementation as key to performance, endurance and recovery in addition to medication as needed; (iv) the obsession with size and masculinity; (v) knowledge and exposure to anti-doping education; (vi) the strict liability clause in the World Anti-Doping (WADA) 2021 Code; (vii) surveillance in terms as part of SAIDS' regulatory and compliancy mandate, in addition to whistleblowing and strategic testing in high risk sports; (viii) personal and sport-related values inherent in the ethos of rugby; and (ix) holism in approach and action. It was apparent that neither the regulatory agency nor medical staff could take sole responsibility to combat a 'dopogenic environment'. Societal values and individual circumstances translate in different ways of how individuals act and make decisions as life-spheres inter-related in a plethora of ways. There is a dire need for all stakeholders to collaborate and ensure meaningful education in chartering a holistic approach for player development.
We conducted a questionnaire survey with sports pharmacists, who engage in anti-doping, to elucidate the activities and challenges they face in their daily work. A total of 218 responses were ...obtained with the cooperation of the four prefectural pharmacists’ associations. We found that 46.8% of respondents had consultations for medication doping concerns once a year or less, while 17.0% reported these multiple times per year. 83.9% of respondents indicated that connections among sports pharmacists would be beneficial, whereas 41.3% had communication with sports pharmacists they were acquainted with. In free text responses, we found challenges experienced were a lack of practical experience, the necessity of increased skills, the lack of cooperation among sports pharmacists and between sports pharmacists and sports organizations, and low awareness of their presence. Regarding future plans, 93.6% indicated an intention to renew certification. 64.2% of respondents were interested in networking events with staff, such as coaches or trainers and 48.6% were interested in regular consultations at training venues. Our findings suggest that in order to expand the anti-doping activities of sports pharmacists, networking opportunities among sports pharmacists and platforms for collaboration with sports organizations should be considered.
Contemporary blood doping—Performance, mechanism, and detection Breenfeldt Andersen, Andreas; Nordsborg, Nikolai Baastrup; Bonne, Thomas Christian ...
Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports,
January 2024, 2024-Jan, 2024-01-00, 20240101, Letnik:
34, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Blood doping is prohibited for athletes but has been a well‐described practice within endurance sports throughout the years. With improved direct and indirect detection methods, the practice has ...allegedly moved towards micro‐dosing, that is, reducing the blood doping regime amplitude. This narrative review evaluates whether blood doping, specifically recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) treatment and blood transfusions are performance‐enhancing, the responsible mechanism as well as detection possibilities with a special emphasis on micro‐dosing. In general, studies evaluating micro‐doses of blood doping are limited. However, in randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trials, three studies find that infusing as little as 130 ml red blood cells or injecting 9 IU × kg bw−1 rhEpo three times per week for 4 weeks improve endurance performance ~4%–6%. The responsible mechanism for a performance‐enhancing effect following rhEpo or blood transfusions appear to be increased O2‐carrying capacity, which is accompanied by an increased muscular O2 extraction and likely increased blood flow to the working muscles, enabling the ability to sustain a higher exercise intensity for a given period. Blood doping in micro‐doses challenges indirect detection by the Athlete Biological Passport, albeit it can identify ~20%–60% of the individuals depending on the sample timing. However, novel biomarkers are emerging, and some may provide additive value for detection of micro blood doping such as the immature reticulocytes or the iron regulatory hormones hepcidin and erythroferrone. Future studies should attempt to validate these biomarkers for implementation in real‐world anti‐doping efforts and continue the biomarker discovery.
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