The use of traditional medicines and rituals in professional soccer in South Africa

[摘要] Objectives:Anecdotally and from observation there is wide spread use of traditional medicine (TM)and traditional rituals (TR) in sport in South Africa. It is predominantly practiced byethnic black athletes, and is an apparent common occurrence in professional soccer. Noscientific literature could be found on TM and TR in sport in South Africa. In order toadvise athletes on the use of TM and TR, scientific evidence is required on the prevalenceof TM and TR use, the types and substances used, efficacy, adverse effects, and possiblecontent of banned substances. The aim of the study was therefore to gather baselinedata on the use of TM and TR, to assess the prevalence and the role thereof in sport, andto identify substances and rituals in order to guide future research on this very relevanttopic.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted on former South African professional soccerplayers. The interview guide was constructed by identification of key questions toelucidate the prevalence and importance of TM and TR use in South Africa, to identifyspecific medicines and rituals, the perceived effectiveness thereof, and to understand therole and importance of secrecy that apparently surrounds TM and TR practices. Data wasanalysed by transcription and classification of the interviews, to produce predominantlyqualitative data.Results:It was confirmed that TM and TR use is common practice in South African professionalsoccer. TM is used for minor ailments, stamina, injury healing, protection, improvedperformance, and as part of team rituals. A list of commonly used TMs has beenidentified and presented. Even though TM and TR are commonly used and regarded asimportant, the majority of participants preferred to use western medicine before theyresort to TM. A list of TR has been identified and presented. The majority of participants(80%) did not believe that TR improves sport performance. Secrecy about the use of TMand TR is an important component of the traditional culture, which complicates researchon this topic.

[发布机构] University of the Free State