Profiling hormonal contraceptive use and perceived impact on training and performance in a global sample of women rugby players
Purpose: The potential impact of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on player health and performance in women`s rugby union (rugby) is not well understood, despite rugby`s growing popularity worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of HC use and reported associations with training and performance in a global sample of women rugby players.
Method: A globally distributed online survey, seeking to explore experiences in women`s rugby, was completed by 1596 current or former adult women 7s or 15s rugby players (mean age 27 [6] y; 7 [5] y playing experience) from 62 countries. The survey included a section of questions about reported HC use, including the type, reason for use, symptoms, and experiences relating to rugby training and performance.
Results: A total of 606 (38%) participants from 33 of the 62 (53%) countries reported using HCs, with the combined oral contraceptive pill reported as the most frequently used (44%). Almost half of participants using HCs (43%) tracked HC-related symptoms. Over 10% reported altered rugby performance due to HC-related symptoms, 22% required medication to manage symptoms, and 11% used HCs to control or stop their menstrual periods for rugby training and performance.
Conclusions: The current study highlights the prevalence of HC use in women`s rugby, identifying practices that may negatively affect performance, health, and well-being. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the motivations for such practices and knowledge of potential side effects among women rugby players across all levels and countries.
© Copyright 2023 International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Aiheet: | rugby naispuolinen suorituskyky harjoittelu suhde urheilulääketiede ehkäisymenetelmät hormoni oire |
---|---|
Aihealueet: | urheilukilpailut biologiset ja lääketieteelliset tieteet |
DOI: | 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0137 |
Julkaisussa: | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance |
Julkaistu: |
2023
|
Vuosikerta: | 18 |
Numero: | 9 |
Sivuja: | 937-943 |
Julkaisutyypit: | artikkeli |
Kieli: | englanti (kieli) |
Taso: | kehittynyt |