38. GOTS Congress from 15.-17. June in Luxembourg
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Dietary supplements, painkillers and alcohol – German amateur golfers quite often use substances that can do more harm than good in their sport. Bianca Werdelmann, Master of Sc. Sports physiotherapy and PhD student at the German Sport University Cologne at the 38th GOTS Annual Congress in Luxembourg.
When it comes to doping, there has so far been a major research gap in golf. Bianca Werdelmann, who actively plays golf in her free time, conducted a nationwide online survey as part of her master’s thesis. The survey resulted in a total of 877 completely answered questionnaires. The handicap (playing potential) of the participants was between 0 (very good amateur player) and 54 (beginner classification) and averaged 23.3.
The evaluation shows that 40.1% of those surveyed consume dietary supplements when playing golf. Among the participants in golf tournaments it was even 43.0%. The majority of golfers (75%) consume vitamins, followed by protein (32.95%). Reasons for taking are: 1. maintaining health, 2. supporting regeneration, 3. preventing injuries and illnesses, 4. compensating for unbalanced nutrition, 5. increasing performance and 6. treating illnesses.
It got really scary when it came to painkillers. “A third of those surveyed stated that they were taking it purely prophylactically,” reports Werdelmann. It was found that 46.6% of golfers use painkillers. In connection with participation in golf tournaments, the consumption of painkillers (52.1%) increases significantly. The majority of golfers (95.60%) use painkillers such as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. Reasons for taking it are the treatment of acute pain, improving mobility, preventing pain, supporting regeneration and increasing performance. “The observed frequency of consumption of painkillers by the golfers surveyed is alarming, as this can lead to long-term health problems,” reports Werdelmann.
In the case of alcohol, the analysis shows that 40.4% of participants in golf consume alcohol. When participating in tournaments, the consumption of alcohol (47.2%) even increases. Beer is consumed the most, followed by sparkling wine. Spirits are next in line. However, people do not drink afterwards, but usually directly while exercising. The majority of golfers cited socializing as a reason for drinking. The second most frequently mentioned was “looseness”. For comparison: alcohol is strictly forbidden in the sport of archery. Archery under the influence of alcohol increases the safety risk.
The consumption of “contaminated” food supplements can lead to an unintentional doping finding. Painkiller consumption can lead to overexertion and long-term health damage in athletes. Complaints and pain should always be clarified by the medical side and should never be treated on your own. In addition to health risks, alcohol consumption on the golf course increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Serious head injuries, eye injuries or broken bones can result from golf clubs on a backswing or from missed and flying golf balls. A hit golf ball develops high speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (180 km/h on average).
This is also the reason why Werdelmann, under the supervision of her mentor Prof. Dr. dr Patrick Diel (Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, member of the Center for Preventive Doping Research) is now doing further research as part of her doctorate on “Doping in Golf”.
To the press release
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The trinational (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) Society for Orthopedic-Traumatological Sports Medicine (GOTS) is the largest European association of sports orthopedists and sports traumatologists. She is the first point of contact for the care of sports injuries and guarantees quality in sports trauma care. Her goal is to improve the understanding of sporting stress and injuries in order to maintain musculoskeletal function and quality of life. To this end, the GOTS promotes training and further education, research and international exchange among doctors working in sports orthopedics and sports traumatology and professional groups in related fields.
Contact
Society for Orthopedic-Traumatological Sports Medicine
Catherine Reisinger
Bachstraße 18
07743 Jena
0 36 41 / 63 89 144