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Review
. 2022 Feb;88(2):566-578.
doi: 10.1111/bcp.14998. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Dealing with doping. A plea for better science, governance and education

Jules A A C Heuberger  1 , April Henning  2 , Adam F Cohen  3 , Bengt Kayser  4
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Dealing with doping. A plea for better science, governance and education

Jules A A C Heuberger et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2022 Feb.
Free article

Abstract

The creation of WADA contributed to harmonization of anti-doping and changed doping behavior and prevalence in the past 22 years. However, the system has developed important deficiencies and limitations that are causing harm to sports, athletes and society. These issues are related to the lack of evidence for most substances on the Prohibited List for performance or negative health effects, a lack of transparency and accountability of governance and decision-making by WADA and the extension of anti-doping policies outside the field of professional sports. This article tries to identify these deficiencies and limitations and presents a plea for more science, better governance and more education. This should lead to a discussion for reform among stakeholders, which should cover support of a new Prohibited List by actual research and evidence and introduce better governance with accountable control bodies and regulation. Finally, comprehensive education for all stakeholders will be the basis of all future positive improvements.

Keywords: clinical pharmacology; doping; evidence-based medicine; general medicine; public health.

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References

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