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Analgesics and Sport Performance: Beyond the Pain Modulating Effects

Holgado, Darias, Hopker, James G., Sanabria, Daniel, Zabala, Mikel (2017) Analgesics and Sport Performance: Beyond the Pain Modulating Effects. PM&R, . ISSN 1934-1482. (doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.07.068) (KAR id:62606)

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Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.07.068

Abstract

Analgesics are widely used in sport to treat pain and inflammation associated with injury. However, there is growing evidence that some athletes might be taking these substances in an attempt to enhance performance. While the pharmacological action of analgesics and their use in treating pain with and without anti-inflammatory effect is well established, their effect on sport performance is debated. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence of whether analgesics are capable of enhancing exercise performance, and if so, to what extent. Paracetamol has been suggested to improve endurance and repeated sprint exercise performance by reducing the activation of higher brain structures involved in pain and cognitive/affective processing. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affect both central and peripheral body systems, but investigation on their ergogenic effect on muscle strength development have provided equivocal results. The therapeutic use of glucocorticoids is indubitable, but clear evidence exists for a performance enhancing effect following short-term oral administration. Based upon the evidence presented in this review article, the ergogenic benefit of analgesics may warrant further consideration by regulatory bodies. In contrast to the aforementioned analgesics, there is a paucity of research on the use opioids such as tramadol on sporting performance.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.07.068
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: James Hopker
Date Deposited: 10 Aug 2017 12:00 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Jul 2023 13:51 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/62606 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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