The finding of 22% sailing

athletes who stated that their coaches are the first source of information on these topics is lower than those presented previously for other countries [37, 38]. Because an almost equal proportion of coaches and athletes reported “self-education” as the main source of their DS and nutrition knowledge, it is logical to conclude that sailing athletes and coaches essentially learn about these topics together. The issue of “self-education” in nutrition and DS use deserves special attention. BIRB 796 mouse We must stress that although understandable (i.e., until approximately 20 years ago, sports nutrition was not systematically studied and reported as a valuable support to sports achievement, and therefore it was rarely included into formal educational systems), self-education can be Selleck CUDC-907 particularly dangerous, especially with regard to the dissemination of incorrect information. Like training and/or sports gear, nutrition and DS use are efficient only in

so far as they are appropriately chosen (with regard to the athlete’s specific needs) and adequately consumed (with regard to amount, frequency and timing). In addition to the potential lack of efficiency if used incorrectly, it is important to note that the inadequate selection and consumption of DSs and polypharmaceuticals can lead to serious health problems [58]. The main problem is the possible dissemination of incorrect information Nitroxoline that is not supported by research and practice. This problem directly relates to the previously stated need for DSs and knowledge of DSs.

We believe that the interrelationship between these two factors is an indicator of the appropriateness and, consequently, the potential benefits of DSs. An important aspect of this investigation was the aim of identifying potential differences in DS use and doping factors between athletes and their coaches. Therefore, the coaches were asked questions similar to those the athletes answered. The idea was to determine (I) whether the coaches are informed about the athletes’ DS use, (II) whether there is a difference between athletes and coaches regarding their opinions about doping in sailing, and (III) whether the opinions of the athletes and coaches regarding potential doping behavior are similar. As far as our study design allows us to determine, it seems that (I) coaches are well informed about their athletes’ DS practices, (II) athletes and coaches share the same opinions about doping in sailing, (III) athletes and coaches have similar attitudes about potential doping behavior, and (IV) there is no significant difference between athletes and coaches with regard to self-reported knowledge regarding doping and nutrition. It seems that the specific characteristics of sailing (e.g.