Ergogenic aids used by ultra-marathon runners
type: CreativeWork
description: 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 runnerâ€™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 runnersâ€™ 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 hi…
abstract: 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 runnerâ€™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 runnersâ€™ 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 hi…
author: Gwilliams, Michael
language: eng
date published: 2015
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:22:50Z
provider: University of Cape Town
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15486