Supplements, Training And Recovery Aids Used By 2022 Masters Field Hockey World Cup Participants

PURPOSE: Masters athletes continue to train and compete at high levels. Like younger athletes, they may utilize a variety of supplements, training aids, and recovery aids to enhance their health, performance, and recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine supplement, training, and recovery aids usage by athletes participating in the 2022 Masters Field Hockey World Cup. METHODS: 471 participants (53.3% male, 46.7% female), from 24 different countries, with a mean age of 57+ 9.9 years, completed the Health and Well-being of Masters Hockey Survey. Chi square and one-way ANOVA analyses were used to determine differences in supplement and training/recovery aid use, by gender and age. RESULTS: Significant differences reported as (n%) were obtained for supplement use by gender and age. More females indicated using probiotics (10.0 %), calcium (9.5%), and iron supplements (7.3%) than males, (4.8%), (4.0%), and (1.2%), respectively. Age group differences indicated greater use of protein/amino acids and pre-workout supplements for 35-39 (33.3%, 16.7%) and 40-44 (29.4%, 11.8%) age groups than all older age groups. For training/recovery aids, more males (15.9%) reported use of compression clothing than females (30.7%). Participants aged 40-44 reported higher usage of activity trackers (67.6%) than those aged 60 (35.0%), 65-69 (36.2%), and 70+ (30.2%) age groups. All younger age groups reported higher usage of self-myofascial release techniques than those ages 70 and older who only reported (9.3%) usage. CONCLUSIONS: Masters hockey athletes competing in the 2022 World Cup reported significant differences in the usage of health, dietary, and performance supplements as well as the use of training/recovery aids. Additional research into the efficacy of supplements and training aids is needed in order to support the unique needs and challenges faced by masters athletes.