Showing papers in "Performance enhancement and health in 2021"
TL;DR: It is pointed to the necessity of multi-level actions to enhance the current low exercise participation of people with PD, specifically in gyms, and by local community members, gym managements, healthcare providers, and policy makers to create more inclusive gym environments that meet the needs ofPeople with PD.
Abstract: Living with a physical disability (PD) withholds serious health problems that can be significantly alleviated through participation in regular exercise. Gyms offer a legitimized and safe exercise environment, however people with PD are limited in their opportunities to integrate within gyms. In this scoping review, the current knowledge on barriers and facilitators of gym-based exercise among people with PD were reviewed to gain a domain specific understanding of exercise participation in this population. Potential agents of change who may foster equal exercise opportunities for individuals with PD were mapped. Exercise barriers and facilitators, and agents of change were identified at the personal, social, and environmental levels. Lack of gym accessibility lack of social support, and oppressive attitudes within gyms were the most reported barriers to gym-based exercise participation. Enhanced opportunities to interact with others within gym settings and committing to exercise were identified as main facilitators of exercise participation in people with PD. The findings presented herein point to the necessity of multi-level actions to enhance the current low exercise participation of people with PD, specifically in gyms. These actions can be employed by people with PD, as well as by local community members, gym managements, healthcare providers, and policy makers to create more inclusive gym environments that meet the needs of people with PD. Strategies for enhancing the integration of people with PD within gym settings are offered.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the motivations and contexts of hardcore powerlifters' polydrug use, as well as their experiences of IPED and other illicit drug market intersections, through findings drawn from 18 qualitative interviews with participants involved in these lifting cultures and gyms in South-West England, supported by ethnographic fieldwork conducted in nine gyms over a four year period.
Abstract: With the rising use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), research has increasingly pointed to a need for in-depth understanding of users' consumption behaviours, in order to form effective harm reduction policy. With polydrug use prevalent in IPED-using cultures, both among ‘hardcore’ and non-competitive trainers, it is clear there is a need to understand this use, and its socio-cultural contexts, as well as how drug access and supply occurs within these cultures. This paper offers an exploration of the motivations and contexts of hardcore powerlifters' polydrug use, as well as their experiences of IPED and other illicit drug market intersections, through findings drawn from 18 qualitative interviews with participants involved in these lifting cultures and gyms in South-West England, supported by ethnographic fieldwork conducted in nine gyms in the region over a four year period, including five ‘hardcore’ powerlifting and bodybuilding gyms, as well as four commercial gym establishments. Results first demonstrate how cultural narratives around what is drug ‘use’ versus ‘abuse’ influenced powerlifters' consumption and perceptions of polydrugs, with a number of illicit drugs and other medicines used by these sportsmen, despite cultural opposition to other drug consumption considered to be harmful, and associated by powerlifters with ‘gym rats’, or YOLO type trainers. This leads into exploration of where powerlifters' polydrug consumption behaviours present the greatest risk, particularly in relation to the acceptance of benzodiazepine use as a form of ‘steroid accessory drug’ for long periods, as well as the common sharing and use of opioid painkillers to allow continued training through injury, and discussion of where harm reduction policy might therefore be most appropriately targeted for this population. Findings then turn to an exploration of how polydrug supply occurs within powerlifting culture and gyms, and the intersections between IPED markets and other illicit drug markets perceived to exist in the region. This documents the prevalence of social supply norms of polydrugs following patterns observed for IPEDs in the existing literature, before discussing the extent to which individuals with links to criminal organisations may be ‘pushing out’ culturally-embedded IPED suppliers in the region, and the impacts this is having on risk for IPED buyers. This is followed by further discussion of relevance to policy, and avenues for future research into polydrug use and supply from a harm reduction perspective, as well as the limitations of this study as specific to a remote region of the UK.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study aimed to evaluate young elite athletes' perceptions of the anti-doping education they receive, and found that three-quarters (73.3%) of the athletes received anti-drug education, its usefulness and trust were rated as "good" (> 4 out of 5).
Abstract: Education is a fundamental pillar of anti-doping. With the International Standard for Education (ISE) coming into effect in 2021, understanding the status quo of anti-doping education is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate young elite athletes’ perceptions of the anti-doping education they receive. A total of 2,232 athletes, participating at any of four Youth Olympic events between 2018 and 2020 (representing 49 sport disciplines and 124 countries) were surveyed using an online questionnaire, including questions about the anti-doping education received, athletes’ views about its usefulness and trust in its content. Additionally, anti-doping education programmes of the countries’ National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) were assessed in terms of scope and extent, and categorised as ‘comprehensive’, ‘selective’, ‘limited’ or ‘information-only’. Perceived usefulness and trust were compared between these groups. Three-quarters (73.3%) of the athletes received anti-doping education, its usefulness and trust were rated as ‘good’ (> 4 out of 5). Based on NADO's anti-doping education, athletes in the ‘information-only’ category had significantly lower values for usefulness and trust, while those in the ‘selective’ category had the highest values. Results confirm the importance of a multifaceted education, recommending the implementation of at least one educational approach above information provision as they were perceived to be more useful and trusted, and could facilitate Code compliance via developing skills as well as knowledge for informed decision making.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed semi-structured interviews with 12 young men which aimed to explore patterns of PIED and other drug use among a sample of young men who use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) in Australia.
Abstract: Evidence suggests young men who use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) in Australia also engage in alcohol and party drug use. Such polysubstance use is concerning as it could exacerbate the harms that come from using either PIEDs or other drugs alone. The present study employed semi-structured interviews with 12 young men which aimed to explore patterns of PIED and other drug use among a sample of young men who use PIEDs in Australia. Analysis of interview data identified typical patterns of PIED use and other drug use among this group. The analysis yielded two themes: 1) extent of compound use for body enhancement and 2) alcohol and other drug use resulting in harms for PIED users. The present findings underscore that young men who use PIEDs represent an at risk population for alcohol and party drug use and the increased array of harms that the combination of multiple substances produces.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the subcategory of therapeutically-motivated IPED users, whose IPED use is targeted at repair, rehabilitation, and self-medicating for health conditions.
Abstract: With the rising use of IPEDs, it is important to understand how user motivations and practices influence harms, in order to formulate effective harm reduction policy. Existing work has consequently developed user typologies to address this need for specific interventions for differing users. Within this, the ‘wellbeing’ user type is one of the most prominent, however this broad category encompasses a range of users with distinct motivations and needs. This paper consequently explores the subcategory of therapeutically-motivated IPED users, whose IPED use is targeted at repair, rehabilitation, and self-medicating for health conditions, and considers the specific needs of this user category. Findings are drawn from a connective ethnography of gyms in South-West England, and digital fitness platforms, to analyze the motivations of therapeutically-oriented users, and how their behaviors and experiences are important to formulating interventions and broader policy discussions. Motivations explored include: (1) repair and injury rehabilitation, including those who access IPEDs for repair relating to sporting or competitive endeavors, as well as those whose IPED use is self-medicating for chronic health conditions. (2) General ‘wellbeing’ motivations for which participants self-medicated with IPEDs, including: health-oriented fat loss, rehabilitation for sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, and offsetting the negative health effects of hard sporting training. And (3) self-medicated testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to offset negative symptoms ascribed to ‘low testosterone’, in both older gym participants whose natural levels were declining and who were looking to offset this, as well as men who experienced mental health difficulties such as depression, and sought to restore wellbeing through use of black market testosterone. This article demonstrates the breadth of therapeutic motivations for IPED use, and points to the ways in which the specific needs of this user category may be distinct from broader ‘wellbeing’ users. Significantly, participant narratives regarding the medical community's perceived unwillingness to treat them, and their feelings that this pushed them to access illicit IPEDs, indicate the importance of understanding the specific needs in relation to harm reduction policy formation.Keywords: IPED; HED; TRT; self-medication; wellness enhancement
6 citations
TL;DR: A scoping review gathered what is currently known on the self-injection of body fillers for aesthetic purposes, using Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) five stage iterative process Scoping review methodology as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Self-injection of a range of oils and fillers for body enhancement dates back to 1899, but due to significant associated harms and fatalities this practice has been largely linked to distinct cultural groups in recent times. This scoping review gathers what is currently known on the self injection of body fillers for aesthetic purposes, using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five stage iterative process scoping review methodology. Thematic manual coding then organised the data into themes through identified patterns: indicative profiling of individuals who self inject body fillers; motivation for use across types of oil injection; sourcing routes and documented harms. It was found that the majority of people who inject body fillers are male and do so to grossly increase muscle size. Injection of oils and other materials in the male genitalia was also described, in addition to female self-injection in the breast, hand and leg areas for augmentation. A range of health consequences were reviewed. Recommendations are made for further research into this unique phenomenon, which although is relatively rare warrant future research attention considering the documented increase in DIY facial fillers and contemporary body image culture.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used an integrative model that assessed the direct and indirect association between muscle dysmorphia (MD) dimensions and intentions to use image-and-performance-enhancement drugs (IPEDs) via the effects of behavior-specific social cognitive variables.
Abstract: Objectives The use of image-and-performance-enhancement drugs (IPEDs) among exercisers represents an emerging public health challenge, and muscle dysmorphia (MD) presents an important risk factor for this behavior. However, there is little evidence on the direct and indirect association of MD dimensions with IPEDs use, via the effects of more proximal, social cognitive variables. The present study used an integrative model that assessed the direct and indirect association between MD dimensions and intentions to use IPEDs via the effects of behavior-specific social cognitive variables. Method One hundred and ninety-seven recreational exercisers (M age = 24.5 years, 66.3% males) completed a survey including the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI), social cognitive variables related to IPEDs use, and intentions to use IPEDs in the next year. Results Hierarchical linear regression analysis and regression-based mediation modelling showed that the MD dimensions of exercise dependence, drive for size/symmetry and pharmacological use were indirectly associated with intentions, via the effects of attitudes and situational temptation. Conclusions The present results indicate that MD dimensions may be differentially associated with intentions to use PEDs among recreational exercisers, and highlight the importance of social cognitive variables that are more closely related to IPEDs use. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply sociological theories focusing on power and domination, with the twofold objective of advancing sociological research and bettering the understanding of the reality of anti-doping.
Abstract: We propose to apply sociological theories focusing on power and domination, with the twofold objective of advancing sociological research and bettering the understanding of the reality of anti-doping. Ethnographic studies conducted in eight countries have allowed us to compile heterogeneous data based on official documents from institutions, semi-structured interviews and observations in the field. Firstly, the study showed that NADOs had little decision-making power within WADA, besides giving feedback on the consultation processes. Secondly, decisions made by the latter were not always viewed positively, as they were seen as arbitrary and did not reflect NADOs’ opinions and priorities. Furthermore, WADA developed assessment procedures focused on NADOs’ activities and prioritizing short-term effects. As a result, we have perceived a decrease in the adoption of innovative solutions for local problems and the omission of several national realities due to the long chain of delegation existing between decision-making arenas and the implementation of procedures in the field. Finally, the study reveals the dissatisfaction or even disengagement that exists among NADO representatives. We argue that compliance has become the primary objective for some NADOs, which could result in prioritizing actions that are valued and recognised by WADA, thus hindering the development of anti-doping programs adapted to their local realities, or even evading anti-doping procedures.
5 citations
TL;DR: The case for applying recent insights from intervention and implementation science to better assess the problems that require intervention, enhance the development, implementation and evaluation of IPED interventions, and improve the quality and size of the evidence base is made.
Abstract: Recent decades have seen increased public attention devoted to the use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). As research into the epidemiology and aetiology of IPED use has grown substantially, so has interest amongst scholars and policy makers in developing and implementing a variety of public health interventions that target potential and current IPED users. However, the evidence base on IPED interventions remains underdeveloped and few firm conclusions can be made about their impact. In short, we know very little about whether IPED interventions are appropriate, effective, ineffective, or even harmful, or why and how this is the case. In this article, we make the case for applying recent insights from intervention and implementation science to better assess the problems that require intervention, enhance the development, implementation and evaluation of IPED interventions, and improve the quality and size of the evidence base. This is necessary if we are to develop evidence-based IPED interventions that support good health and avoid the potential to do harm. We begin by discussing the different types of IPED interventions that have been introduced and what we know about their impact from the limited evaluations that have been published to date. We then discuss how methods and frameworks from intervention and implementation science can provide important insights that will greatly enhance the development, implementation, and evaluation of these interventions. Drawing on examples of IPED interventions implemented in a variety of countries we explore how these methods can be applied by those working in this field and identify guidance and tools that support their uptake. We conclude by proposing five key priorities to support the development of a more robust evidence base of IPED interventions that will, ultimately, support an evidence-based public health response to IPED use.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the prevalence of performance and image-enhancing substances (PIES) use and factors related to this, among a representative sample of the general Swedish population aged 16-25.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of performance- and image-enhancing substances (PIES) use, and factors related to this, among a representative sample of the general Swedish population aged 16–25. We used a quantitative cross-sectional self-report design to examine prevalence and possible relationships between PIES use and socio-demographics, physical activity, attitudes towards muscle building and doping, friends’ use, body image, and body modification. Approximately 12% of the respondents reported that they used or had used PIES. A logistic regression analysis pointed out the importance of the social context – friends who used PIES, how body image affected social life, and how others viewed one's body – as more important factors for using PIES than attitudes towards muscle building and doping. Taken together, these results indicate a need to pay attention to the use of PIES among young people as a potential public health problem.
4 citations
TL;DR: For instance, this paper found that the majority of athletes and support staff felt that genetics played a role in the attainment of sporting success and training adaptation, and the main barriers to undertaking genetic testing were a lack of awareness, high cost, and a lackof scientific evidence.
Abstract: Recently, knowledge of the genetic influence on the attainment of elite athlete status, along with aspects such as training adaptations and injury risk, has grown. At present, there are various direct-to-consumer genetic tests targeted at athletes. Here, we aimed to determine to prevalence of, and attitudes towards, genetic testing in a group of athletes, coaches, and support staff. 243 participants (110 athletes and 133 support staff) took part in an internet-based survey. 51 % of athletes had competed internationally, and 54 % of support staff reported that their main contact time was with international athletes. The frequency of genetic testing was relatively low, with 10 % of athletes and 11 % of support staff stating they had utilised such a test. Overall, the majority of athletes and support staff felt that genetics played a role in the attainment of sporting success and training adaptation. The main barriers to undertaking genetic testing were a lack of awareness, high cost, and a lack of scientific evidence. The majority (73 % of athletes and 64 % of support staff) of participants utilising genetic tests found the information useful.
TL;DR: Many pharmacists perceived their knowledge as insufficient and reported educational needs that could be considered in undergraduate and continuing education of pharmacists that could have an important role in providing more educational opportunities to pharmacists.
Abstract: Objectives Pharmacists’ role in health care has evolved towards a more collaborative practice to combat current public health challenges and to support rational use of medicines. Previous literature also demonstrates pharmacists’ emerging role in sports and exercise medicine, including anti-doping and health counselling of athletes. The aim of this study was to assess: 1) What is the pharmacists’ self-assessed knowledge about doping and anti-doping activities? 2) How does the pharmacists’ and pharmacy characteristics effect on the self-assessed knowledge about doping and anti-doping activities? 3) What educational needs do the pharmacists report about doping and anti-doping activities? Material and Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Finnish pharmacists in 2019. A convenience sampling method was used to reach the target group. The survey consisted of 26 questions considering pharmacists’ perceptions about doping, knowledge, and need for education about the pharmacology of doping agents, anti-doping counselling, and information sources. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation with Pearson's χ2 and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. Results A total of 246 pharmacy professionals completed a national online survey targeted at pharmacists in Finland. The average age of the respondents was 43 years (SD = 10), where 94% were females and 6% males. Pharmacists reported their self-assessed knowledge on anti-doping counselling to be poor or rather poor. Their highest needs for education were related to nutritional supplements’ doping risks, substances listed as doping agents, their mechanisms of action and purpose of use, and the adverse effects of doping agents and interactions with other medicines. More information was also needed about prohibited substances and methods in sports and doping in recreational sports. Conclusion Pharmacists were willing to participate in anti-doping activities, including counselling athletes. However, many pharmacists perceived their knowledge as insufficient and reported educational needs that could be considered in undergraduate and continuing education of pharmacists. Universities, anti-doping organisations, and other related actors in the pharmacy and anti-doping field have an important role in providing more educational opportunities to pharmacists.
TL;DR: Concerns over the quality of IPED products sold on the Australian market are strengthened and a stability test revealed that these IPEDs are generally stable across the different conditions tested, approximating Australian weather extremes.
Abstract: Introduction The range of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) available is expanding beyond anabolic-androgenic steroids to alternatives such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Many have yet to complete clinical trials, so their toxicity and drug-drug interactions are unknown. Yet, they are easily accessible online and are marketed for synergistic use in cycles. This poly-drug use has implications in anti-doping and public health. Comprehensive studies on these products are lacking, particularly research focused on the Australian market, leading to a deficiency in understanding of the nature and use of these alternative IPEDs. Method Australian online retailers were surveyed, and 107 oral liquid products purporting to contain IPEDs were purchased between 2017 and 2018. A further 4 were obtained from a drug seizure. The product websites, packaging, contamination, and main active pharmaceutical ingredients were used to assess the product quality, to gain a holistic understanding of the products. A month-long stability test was conducted to identify other potential risks associated with the use of these products in Australia. Results Most online retailer websites were still live in 2019, notwithstanding changes in the Poisons Standard regarding popular IPEDs. Just over half the products were still available on the same website. Most homepages featured fitspo imagery, notably including women. Product-specific pages often featured a “for research use only” warning and presented usage details informally. The packaging also featured the “for research use only” warning, while lacking many requirements of true therapeutic goods. Qualitative chemical analysis revealed that while 94 of the 111 products correctly identified the main active pharmaceutical ingredient on the label, 90 were contaminated with other IPEDs. Validated quantitative chemical methods assessed dosage strength and homogeneity to reveal that only 34 of the 111 were considered of good quality. Uniting the chemical analysis data revealed that the only high quality IPED was one of the seized products. Additionally, the stability test revealed that these IPEDs are generally stable across the different conditions tested, approximating Australian weather extremes. Conclusion This research has strengthened concerns over the quality of IPED products sold on the Australian market and indicates there is no relationship between IPED product presentation and its chemical quality. The high proportion of contaminated IPED products may lead to poly-drug positives in doping control and possible adverse health effects due to drug-drug interactions. Education on IPEDs must expand to include these other classes to protect the community.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined lifetime and problem use of psychoactive substances and AAS, and explored experiences of AAS and psychoactive substance use including understandings of how these substances may be related among women with current or previous AAS use.
Abstract: Concurrent use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and psychoactive substances (illicit drugs and alcohol) is found common in studies among men and involves a higher risk of adverse events than AAS use alone. However, women who use AAS represent an understudied group, and little is known about their pattern of psychoactive substance use and possible links to AAS use. The aim of this mixed methods paper is to a) examine lifetime and problem use of psychoactive substances and AAS, and b) explore experiences of AAS and psychoactive substance use including understandings of how these substances may be related among women with current or previous AAS use. Among sixteen women with current or previous AAS use, lifetime psychoactive substance and AAS use, AAS dependence and problem drug and alcohol use were assessed. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically within a biopsychosocial framework applying pharmacological agency; the concept of bodily surveillance of effect and the ability to handle substances instrumentally to feel oneselves/ones bodies better. Twelve participants reported lifetime substance use, where cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines were most commonly used. Substance use problems were found among eight participants; five had lifetime AAS-dependence and clinically significant drug and/or alcohol dependence scores, two had lifetime AAS dependence, and one had clinically significant drug dependence scores. Psychoactive substance use was experienced as unrelated to AAS use or it could be used to counteract side effects of AAS. On the contrary, AAS was used to cope with the bodily and emotional change following withdrawal from psychoactive substances and to counteract bodily effects of long-term substance use. Being in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment after detoxification with affected mental health, a passive lifestyle and experiencing a transition from having an emaciated body, gaining weight and becoming unfit, was experienced to motivate AAS initiation during treatment. The polysubstance nature of AAS use including use of psychoactive substances and risk of developing SUDs poses a significant health risk. Health professionals need to understand motivations for combined use of AAS and psychoactive substances among women to be able to prevent harms and address individual treatment needs.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored how fighters learn about, use, and rationalize the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) along with cultural aspects of the sport that may influence use.
Abstract: In the last few decades, mixed martial arts (MMA) has grown to become a mainstream sport, broadcasted worldwide. The increased commercialization, structure, and physical requirements of the sport arguably make the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) attractive to MMA fighters. In contrast, cultural aspects within MMA and diverse expressions of masculinity may temper PED use. Yet, the sport has received little empirical inquiry. This exploratory study sought to understand MMA fighters’ experience and exposure to PED and sport supplements. Specifically, how fighters learn about, use, and rationalize the use of these substances was explored, along with cultural aspects of the sport that may influence use. Furthermore, given the rapid rise of this sport, generational differences between veterans and early-career fighters were examined. Seventeen semi-structured interviews with professional MMA fighters were conducted and analyzed using a two-cycle coding method. The presentation of results was organized into four categories: learning and conversing, supplement and PED use, rationalization of use, and MMA contextual factors. Multiple misconceptions existed and the use of both supplements and performance-enhancing substances followed similar justifications linked to recovery, performance enhancement, and deficiency correction. Marijuana emerged as a debated performance-enhancing substance. Experimentation was common and knowledge acquisition strategies differed based on career stage and standing within the fighting and doping community. Fighters acknowledged the pressure to dope. However, cultural aspects of the sport and a purity perspective provide deterrents to both supplement and PED use. The implications of these findings, along with recommendations for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the key challenges and problems of using performance analysis technologies (PATs) in elite sport environments, and make recommendations for how sport managers and administrators can prevent buying a pig in a poke by acquiring competence about performance analysis and PATs, investing time, and developing effective communication between those working with PATs.
Abstract: During the last decades, technologies to monitor, test and analyze athletes’ performance and health have rapidly developed. At present, global positioning systems (GPS), stadium camcorders, heart rate monitors and mobile applications are prominent performance analysis technologies (PATs) used in most elite sport environments. While PATs is understood as an aid, there is a growing body of literature that points to negative consequences. These negative consequences are concerning and call for research and measures to develop strategies for effective and productive implementation. To achieve this, this article first outlines key challenges and problems of PATs, using sport sociological research on coaching and athletes, historical knowledge of the scientization of training and the changing role of the coach, as well as scientific and experiential knowledge of performance analysis. Our findings show that key challenges and problems occur in a chain of six steps that concern the implementing of PATs: 1. Investment in PATs; 2. Production of performance data; 3. Interpretation of performance data; 4. Communication of performance data; 5. Decision-making based on performance data; and 6. Influence of PATs on coaches and athletes. The article then answers these challenges and problems by outlining recommendations for how sport managers and administrators can prevent buying “a pig in a poke” by acquiring competence about performance analysis and PATs, investing time, and developing effective communication between those working with PATs.
TL;DR: Stichweh et al. as discussed by the authors explored data on individual perceptions of active users with academic background and access to expertise to give an insight into the anabolic steroid use among male sports students in Germany.
Abstract: A large number of studies have already dealt with steroid consumption in leisure and popular sports. The aim of this explorative study was to give an insight into the anabolic steroid use among male sports students in Germany. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews with n = 5 participants, all steroid-users and fellow students recruited by the third author, were conducted. Through the interviews we explored data on individual perceptions of active users with academic background and access to expertise. The interview guide is based on international findings concerning doping/steroid abuse within the framework of social differentiation theory (Alexander & Colomy, 1990; Stichweh, 2012). The study's results indicate that it is primarily the health factor that influences the planning, execution and control of steroid consumption among male sports students. Physical appearance forms a constant reason for substitution, besides the subjectively perceived pressure of physical performance inside and outside high-performance sports. However, explorative data reveal that universities’ performance requirements do not lead to steroid use.