Ergogenic aids used by ultra-marathon runners

Background: Athletes of all levels and abilities utilise ergogenic aids to enhance sporting performance. However, the extent of ergogenic aid use within the ultra-marathon running community in unknown and there is little available literature documenting characteristics of use among ultra-marathon runners. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the use of ergogenic aids in ultra-marathon runners. The specific objectives of the study were to: a) To obtain information on the use of ergogenic aids in ultra- marathon runners, with regard to the type of ergogenic aids used, and the pattern of use during training and competition; b) To determine ultra- marathon runner’s perceived benefits of the ergogenic aids; c) To determine the factors influencing the intake strategies of ergogenic aids; d) To explore the factors that may predict the use of ergogenic aids, such as age, gender level of competitiveness, training and competition history. Methods: This study had a descriptive correlational study design. Participants included male and female ultra- marathon runners between 25 and 65 years of age. Participants who did not give informed consent and who failed to meet the defined classifications of being an ultra-marathon runner and medical screening criteria were excluded from the study. Participants were recruited through electronic correspondence, running clubs and running-specific media platforms. A self-developed questionnaire was designed to obtain information on ergogenic aid use in ultra-marathon runners during training and competition, as well as to determine the runners’ pattern of use and their perceived effect of ergogenic aids. The questionnaire was available in English and Afrikaans, and explored both legal and illegal ergogenic aid use. A panel of experts reviewed and validated the questionnaire. The online questionnaire was anonymous; with all referring uniform resource locators (URLs) and internet protocol (IP) addresses of respondents hidden to ensure anonymity. Results: The final ...