Lifestyle factors that may interfere with sports

By Al Gondi

Adequate rest and sleep are presumably thought to be important especially in the recovery process, although there has been little research done into this area.

It has, however, shown that sleep loss after a match can interfere with performance at training the following day. However, any loss of sleep is likely to be compensated the following night.

In doping, alcohol is only prohibited in competition only in very few sports like shooting, aeronautics, archery, chess, and gymnastics. But there are certain prescribed limits accepted per sport.

It is important to note that even small amounts of alcohol impair athletic performance. When advising athletes about the effects of alcohol, one should make them understand that drinking alcohol does not supply energy for exercise.

Although alcohol is a concentrated source of carbohydrates, it does not contribute to the storage of energy and thus, does not fuel muscles.

Drinking excessive alcohol increases body fat since alcohol has the capacity to remove a lot of fluid from the body, it therefore impairs athletic performance as it promotes dehydration.

After competition, it is important that athletes rehydrate adequately before consuming alcohol and that they consume some food to enhance recovery.

The guidelines for team clinicians to follow include to avoid binge drinking, avoid alcohol in the 24 hours prior to competition, avoid alcohol if injured, be aware of dehydration effects of alcohol, be aware of the effect of alcohol on dilatation of the blood vessels which interferes with temperature regulation, be aware of energy value of alcohol, and if drinking alcohol, first rehydrate and then drink alcohol together with a nutritious meal.

It is traditional to overindulge in alcohol following some competitions like rugby. This can have a significant negative effect on recovery.

Studies in cyclists show that muscle energy was impaired when alcohol was consumed immediately after exercise and displaced carbohydrate intake from the recovery diet.

It is likely, however, that the most important effects of alcohol on the energy remodelling are indirect — by interfering with the athletes’ ability or interest, to achieve the recommended amounts of carbohydrate required for optimal energy restoration. The athletes are therefore encouraged to follow guidelines for sensible use of alcohol in sports.

In general, alcohol has a negative effect on athlete’s performance, by impairing reaction time, hand-eye co-ordination, accuracy, balance, gross nerve skills and strength.