Medication and Supplement Use in FIFA World Cups 2002 and 2006
Author Information
Author(s): Tscholl P, Junge A, Dvorak J
Primary Institution: FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Center (F-MARC), Schulthess Klinik, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
What is the extent of medication and nutritional supplement use among male top-level football players during international tournaments?
Conclusion
The high intake of medication, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, among international football players is concerning and warrants further investigation.
Supporting Evidence
- 10,384 substances were reported, with 42.9% being medicinal and 57.1% nutritional supplements.
- 44.0% of players took at least one type of medication prior to a match.
- NSAIDs were the most frequently prescribed substances, with over half of players taking them at least once during a tournament.
- More than 10% of players took NSAIDs prior to every match.
- Significantly more nutritional supplements were prescribed in 2006 compared to 2002.
Takeaway
Football players take a lot of medicine and supplements before games, which might not always be safe.
Methodology
A prospective survey based on reports from team physicians documenting medication and supplement intake in the 72 hours before each match.
Potential Biases
The figures reported may be biased due to the influence of coaches over team physicians regarding supplement intake.
Limitations
The study did not investigate the motivations behind medication use or the implications of such use.
Participant Demographics
Male top-level football players from 32 countries participating in FIFA World Cups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.25 to 1.33 supplements/player/match
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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