Determination of Knowledge and Attitude Toward Doping and Sports Dietary Supplements Among Elite Wrestlers

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes and levels of knowledge among Turkish wrestlers regarding athlete nutritional supplements and doping, with the objective of investigating their potential applications in enhancing muscle endurance and reducing recovery times.
METHODS: A total of 196 elite wrestlers voluntarily participated in the study, competing in the Greco-Roman, women’s, and freestyle categories. Participants’ attitudes and knowledge levels regarding sports nutritional supplements and doping, along with their anthropometric data, were assessed through a three-stage questionnaire and face-to-face interviews.
RESULTS: Significant differences were observed among participants competing in the Greco-Roman and women’s styles and those in the freestyle category regarding the previous use of sports nutritional supplements (p=0.003; p<0.01). In comparison to athletes in other groups, women statistically preferred sports nutritional supplements specifically for “increasing muscle mass” (p=0.11; p<0.05). Freestyle wrestlers expressed a statistically significant negative opinion about the use of sports nutritional supplements compared to athletes in other styles (p=0.015; p<0.05). In addition, female participants exhibited a higher level of knowledge about ergogenic aids compared to male participants (p=0.000).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The intensive use of different muscle groups in various wrestling competition categories influences participants’ attitudes toward sports nutritional supplements. Wrestlers in the Greco-Roman and women’s categories demonstrated a more positive inclination towards sports nutritional supplements, indicating a tendency to use these supplements to shorten recovery times, increase muscle mass, and enhance overall strength.