Comparative analysis on the impact of ergogenic aids and skill practice to athletic performance among paid athletes in Edo State sports commission

In the pursuit of athletic excellence, optimizing performance is a paramount concern for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations. This study compares the impact of skill practice and ergogenic aids on athletic performance among 100 paid athletes in Edo State Sports Commission. Six research questions guided the study, and four hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level. A correlational survey research design was used, with a validated questionnaire (EAASP) having a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.70, administered through a combination of online and offline modes to ensure maximum participation and response rate. To select the respondents, stratified random sampling technique was utilized to ensure athletes are selected randomly to reflect the diversity of the entire population. The data collected from the study was analysed using frequencies, percentages, and t-test Analysis of variance while inferential statistics of regression was used to test four hypotheses at 0.05 alpha levels. The findings indicate that skill practice is prioritized over ergogenic aids for achieving long-term athletic success (M = 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; promoting informed decision-making to optimize performance while minimizing risks.