A Qualitative Research on National Athletes' Use of Ergogenic Aids: The Case of Combat Athletes

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 67 - 79

Nurten Dinç , Ezgi Abay Beşikçi

https://doi.org/10.25307/jssr.1512612

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the views of national athletes on the use of ergogenic aids. Qualitative research method was utilized in the study and phenomenology design was used. The study group of the research was determined by 'convenience sampling' technique within the framework of the purposeful sampling method. The study group consisted of students 36 studying at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Sports Sciences and national athletes in combat sports. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, the codes for starting to use ergogenic support were obtained as individual research, friend recommendation, coach recommendation (trainer) and doctor. For the duration of using ergogenic support, short (less than 1 month), medium (1-5 months) and long (6 months and more) codes were obtained. In the reason for the use of ergogenic aids, the codes of weight loss, preparation for the competition and accelerating recovery were reached. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, in Figure 4, the codes of psychological well-being, fat burning, weight loss, physiological recovery, fast recovery (after training after injury), performance increase were reached as positive in the contribution of ergogenic aids. Negatively, weight gain, kidney fatigue and abdominal pain codes were obtained. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, in the emotions after the use of the product in Figure 5; psychologically, psychological well-being, motivated, anxious, ease of focusing and happy codes, and physiologically energetic/dynamic, tired, sleep comfort and gaining strength codes were reached.

Keywords

Ergogenic aids, Combat athletes, Sports

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