Comparative analysis of substance use in ballet, dance sport, and synchronized swimming: results of a longitudinal study

Med Probl Perform Art. 2010 Jun;25(2):75-81.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Athletes / psychology*
  • Athletes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Croatia / epidemiology
  • Dancing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Dietary Supplements / statistics & numerical data
  • Doping in Sports / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Sports / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Swimming / statistics & numerical data*