The Implementation and Evaluation of a Media Literacy Intervention About PAES Use in Sport Science Students

With respect to both competitive and amateur/fitness sports, media may strongly influence young people's opinions and behaviors concerning the use of PAES (Performance and Appearance Enhancing Substances). The present investigation addressed this topic by focusing on sport sciences students' beliefs concerning the possible role of media related to the implementation and evaluation of a PAES-focus media literacy intervention conducted with sport science students. This study relied on a sample of 521 students (attrition rate 10.3%) (45.1% female, mean age = 22.6, SD = 2.20), which provided baseline data on students' levels of media literacy concerning the use of PAES (i.e. "descriptive sample"), and a sample of 248 students, who participated in and provided data on the media literacy intervention. This latter sample included a group of 128 students (44.5% female, mean age = 23.03, SD = 3.76) who actively participated in the intervention (i.e. "intervention group"), and a group of 120 students who did not (i.e. "control group", 53.3% female, mean age = 22.25, SD = 2.47). All students filled out media literacy questionnaires targeting students' awareness of media influence, their views about the realism of media content, their sense of confidence in dealing with media messages, and their positive attitudes toward PAES use. Analyses of questionnaire data showed that students are relatively aware of media influence on people's views and behaviors with respect to PAES use. At the same time, students also believed that young people do not consider media as "realistic sources" of information; nonetheless, they also did not consider themselves entirely capable of dealing effectively with media messages. With respect to the intervention, students overall appreciated and greatly welcomed the educational program on media literacy, and the analyses of intervention data across intervention and control groups showed that key media literacy variables changed over time, attesting to the overall effectiveness of the intervention.

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a Scoping Review of Extant Empirical Literature

The use of image- and performance-enhancing drugs particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is not a new phenomenon. AAS use is not limited to athletes, with mainstream populations using these drugs for aesthetic purposes. Prevalence has been predominantly in Western countries, with some recent studies indicating a rise in popularity in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A scoping review of extant empirical literature from the Eastern Mediterranean region described and mapped what is known about the extent of AAS in the region. Four themes emerged from the review: (1) profile of AAS users; (2) AAS within gymnasium practice; (3) AAS regimes of use; and (4) knowledge and understanding of the AAS concept and related adverse effects. The review highlights a relatively new phenomenon of AAS use in the Eastern Mediterranean. The review underscores the need to carry out further research, particularly qualitative and quantitative studies with both genders, and cognisant of the complexities of culture and religiosity.

Yogurt Drink Effectively Rehydrates Athletes After a Strenuous Exercise Session

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance as a result of prolonged strenuous exercise leads to poor thermoregulation and impaired muscle performance. Thus, appropriate rehydration during and after exercise with a solution that has a balanced combination of nutrients including electrolytes, carbohydrates and proteins is crucial in preventing the side effects of dehydration. Yogurt drink as a traditional drink with an appropriate nutritious content could be used as an alternative to expensive commercially available drinks for rehydrating athletes after long exercises in warm and humid environments and in developing countries. In this cross-over trial we examined the rehydration potential of yogurt drink in comparison to water and a commercial drink after a strenuous exercise (cycling) session in a hot and humid environment. Blood measurements included blood osmolality, serum glucose, hematocrit and serum electrolytes. Urine measurements included urine volume, osmolality and electrolyte concentrations. The results showed that early after rehydration Yogurt drink compared to water significantly increased urine sodium (mmol/L) (138.8 ± 93.4 vs. 90.0 ± 50.7, P < 0.01), urine potassium (mmol/L) (105.6 ± 55.1 vs. 35.8 ± 22.0, P < 0.05) and urine chloride (mmol/L) (113.2 ± 28.4 vs. 35.8 ± 25.1 P < 0.01). This degree of improvement was the same as with the commercial drink for urine sodium, potassium, and chloride. Yogurt drink prevented dehydration-induced changes in the blood as it stabilized the hematocrit and serum sodium, potassium and osmolality within the normal range after exercise. Finally, our results indicated that yogurt drink, as a natural and affordable rehydration option, can be considered to restore fluid and electrolyte losses after strenuous exercises in hot and humid environments.