Medicalization of Sport? A Mixed-Method Study on the Use of Medications in Elite Ice Hockey.

ABSTRACT: Ice hockey is a high-risk sport known for its dominant macho culture. The purpose of this study was to examine experiences surrounding medication use among male, elite ice hockey players in Norway. A mixed-method design was employed, which first examined medications registered on doping control forms (DCFs) (n = 177) and then involved semi-structured focus group interviews (n = 5) with elite athletes (n = 25). Overall, 68% of the DCFs contained information about ≥1 medication. Among the most registered medications were NSAIDs and hypnotics (20% and 19% of all DCFs, respectively). During the interviews, numerous athletes reported using analgesics to manage injuries and pain caused by the sport, often being motivated by sacrificing themselves for the team during importan

SUBMITTER: Christensen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10818849 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature