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Comparative Analysis of Substance Use in Ballet, Dance Sport, and Synchronized Swimming: Results of a Longitudinal Study

2010; Volume: 25; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.21091/mppa.2010.2015

1938-2766

Nataša Zenić, Mia Perić, Nada Grcic Zubcevic, Zdenko Ostojić, Ljerka Ostojić,

Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

There have been few studies comparing substance use and misuse (SU&M) in different performing arts forms. Herein, we identified and compared SU&M in women studying an art (ballet, n = 21), a non-Olympic sport (dance sport, n = 25), and an Olympic sport (synchronized swimming, n = 23). The sample of variables comprised general, educational, and sport factors, as well as SU&M data, including consumption of opiates, cigarettes, alcohol, nutritional supplements, doping behaviors, and beliefs. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, we found no significant differences between study groups in potential doping behaviors. Most of the examinees reported that they did not rely on physicians’ and/or coaches’ opinions regarding doping. Only sport dancers recognized their consumption of cannabis as a violation of anti-doping rules. Those more convinced that doping habits are present in their sport (or art) have a certain tendency toward doping usage. In conclusion, a strong anti-doping campaign within the studied arts is suggested, focusing on the health-related problems of SU&M.