Study: Does Regular Cannabis Use Affect Female Athletes’ Performance?
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A new study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that women who use cannabis regularly don’t produce as much anaerobic strength as those who don’t, even when active and fit.
Researchers at the University of Northern Colorado wanted to determine whether chronic cannabis use in physically active female athletes leads to changes in their health performance. They compared 12 healthy female cannabis users with 12 non-users. Both groups were 19 to 34 years old and regularly participated in resistance and aerobic training.
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In terms of lung function, strength and power assessment, and c-reactive protein concentrations between cannabis users and non-users, the researchers observed no significant differences.
“There were no differences between the groups in height, body composition, lung function, cardiorespiratory function, or muscle strength,” the authors of the cross-sectional study said.
The results showed that marijuana users “produced significantly less energy” during the first two states of the Wingate test assessment, which determine peak anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity.
Cannabis users showed 18% less force during the first five seconds of kicking and 20% less force during the second five seconds compared to non-cannabis users.
“It is important for both coaches and athletes to consider whether an athlete’s performance is highly dependent on short-term power output,” the researchers said.
However, despite the lower potency, regular marijuana users also experienced “significantly less anaerobic fatigue,” the study concluded.
Athletic cannabis users
There is proven evidence that athletes use cannabis products. One study reported that “of 46,202 athletes surveyed, 1 in 4 reported using cannabis.”
Other research found that “Most (77%) of subjects reported that cannabis positively impacted their performance through improved focus, energy, relaxation, and post-exercise recovery.” In addition, many professional athletes have been open about their use of marijuana.
RELATED: It’s time to acknowledge the reality of THC in pro sports
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Megan Rapinoe, Olympic gold medalist, two-time women’s soccer world champion and 2019 FIFA World Player of the Year, told Benzinga that she’s ventured into cannabis in search of a “healthier, more natural option for pain management, sleep aid, relaxation while flying and general.” Recreation.”
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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