Anti-doping measures in gyms and fitness centres: A mapping of practices in the state parties of the council of Europe’s anti-doping convention

The use of image and performance enhancement drugs (doping) in recreational sport presents an emerging public health challenge, but there is scarce research on current preventive measures. The present research was concerned with mapping and analysing anti-doping measures in gyms and fitness centres in countries that are State Parties to the Anti-Doping Convention of the Council of Europe. Using the Anti-Doping Questionnaire of the Council of Europe, we found that only 17 (35 %) of the 49 countries that participated in the study implemented measures to tackle doping among gym and fitness centre customers and staff, and 19 countries (39 %) included measures addressing the health consequences of doping use. In the majority (83 %) of countries that took any preventive measures against doping in gyms and fitness centres, National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) were involved in their implementation. Further analysis indicated key areas where doping prevention measures have developed. The implications for policy and practice in doping prevention are discussed.