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Prioritizing Skill Practice Over Ergogenic Aids for Long-Term Athletic Success

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the pursuit of athletic excellence, optimizing performance is a paramount concern for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations. New research from the University of Benin has shed light on the importance of skill practice over the use of ergogenic aids for achieving long-term athletic success. The study, which involved 100 paid athletes in Edo State Sports Commission, found that skill practice is prioritized over ergogenic aids for achieving long-term athletic success.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study compared the impact of skill practice and ergogenic aids on athletic performance among 100 paid athletes in Edo State Sports Commission.
  • The research questions guided the study included: "What is the effect of skill practice on athletic performance?" "What is the effect of ergogenic aids on athletic performance?" "How do athletes perceive the importance of skill practice and ergogenic aids?"
  • The study used a correlational survey research design, with a validated questionnaire (EAASP) having a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.70.
  • The findings indicate that skill practice is prioritized over ergogenic aids for achieving long-term athletic success, with a mean score of 2.27 (SD = 1.00).
  • Athletes also acknowledged general health risks (M = 2.15, SD = 0.97) and concerns about dependence or addiction (M = 2.20, SD = 1.03) associated with ergogenic aid use.
  • The study recommends the need for personalized training strategies and structured education on ergogenic aids to prevent misconceptions and potential health risks by prioritizing skill practice.

Statistics:

  • 100 paid athletes participated in the study.
  • The study used a correlational survey research design.
  • The validated questionnaire (EAASP) had a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.70.
  • The findings indicate a mean score of 2.27 (SD = 1.00) for skill practice being prioritized over ergogenic aids.
  • Athletes acknowledged general health risks (M = 2.15, SD = 0.97) and concerns about dependence or addiction (M = 2.20, SD = 1.03) associated with ergogenic aid use.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews. "New Research on Sport and Physical Education Describes Findings in Science." VerticalNews, Benin City, Nigeria, 9 Jul. 2025, www.verticalnews.net/2025/07/09/new-research-on-sport-and-physical-education-describes-findings-in-science/.

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