Painkiller use in amateur football: high prevalence, but limited misuse.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of painkillers in football is a much-criticized topic, but there is hardly any scientific data at amateur level. The aim of the study is therefore to establish data on the prevalence of painkiller use in German amateur football. In addition, reasons for painkiller use and other influencing factors are investigated.

Methods

In a cross-sectional analysis, the painkiller use among German amateur footballers was surveyed through an online protocol, involving players from the 4th league to the lowest amateur divisions.

Results

Of the 604 participants, 489 were male (81.0%) and 115 were female (19.0%). The prevalence of painkiller use over the players' entire careers in connection with football is approximately 77%. 75% of players report using painkillers

SUBMITTER: Kopf A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12604260 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature