Anti-doping Policy, Therapeutic Use Exemption and Medication Use in Athletes with Asthma : A Narrative Review and Critical Appraisal of Current Regulations / Hayden Allen, Susan H. Backhouse, James H. Hull, Oliver J. Price . - (Sports Medicine (2019) 18 March; p. 1-10).
- PMID: 30887312.
- DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01075-z
Abstract
Asthma is prevalent in athletes and when untreated can impact both respiratory health and sports performance. Pharmacological inhaler therapy currently forms the mainstay of treatment; however, for elite athletes competing under the constraints of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), a number of established therapies are prohibited both in and/or out of competition and/or have a maximum permitted dose. The recent release of medical information detailing inhaler therapy in high-profile athletes has brought the legitimacy and utilisation of asthma medication in this setting into sharp focus. This narrative review critically appraises recent changes to anti-doping policy and the Code in the context of asthma management, evaluates the impact of asthma medication use on sports performance and employs a theory of behaviour to examine perceived determinants and barriers to athletes adhering to the anti-doping rules of sport when applied to asthma.
