Abstract

The use of medications prescribed for various medical conditions by qualified physicians may be of great value to the athlete, just as it may with any other individual in the population. Under normal circumstances, an athlete would be expected to respond to medication just as would anyone else. However, because of the nature of physical activity, the athlete is in a situation that is not normal, and it is true that with intense physical activity special consideration should be given to the effects of certain types of medication. For the sports therapist who often provides the primary health care to the athlete, some knowledge of the potential effects of certain types of drugs on performance during physical activity is essential. This chapter concentrates on the special considerations that must be given for those medications most commonly used in a sports medicine environment. Aus der Einleitung