Citation

Kontro TK, Sarna S, Kaprio J, Kujala UM. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2016; 49(3): 492-499.

Affiliation

1Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland2Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland3National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland4Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0000000000001137

PMID

27787336

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The impact of a history of competitive sports on later use of alcohol and occurrence of alcohol-related diseases is poorly known. We investigated how a history of elite level sports was associated with alcohol consumption in middle-age and with alcohol-related morbidity and mortality.

METHODS: Occurrence of alcohol-related diseases and deaths were followed using national registers from 1970 to 2008 among Finnish male former elite athletes (n=2202) and matched controls (n=1403) alive in 1970 (mean age 45.1 years). Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by Cox proportional hazards model. In 1985 surviving participants questionnaire-reported their alcohol consumption and engagement in physical activity/sports.

RESULTS: The risk of any alcohol-related diseases or deaths did not differ between former athletes and controls (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.73-1.20, p=0.59), although, the risk was higher among both combat sports athletes and weightlifters compared to endurance sports athletes, shooters or jumpers & hurdlers (p<0.05). In 1985 athletes (417 grams/month; 95% CI 386-447) consumed more alcohol than controls (397grams/month; 95% CI 355-441) (p<0.05). Consumption was lower among endurance sports athletes than among controls (p<0.05). Team sports athletes consumed more alcohol (p<0.05), especially beer (p<0.01), compared to other athletes and controls. Athletes no longer engaged in leisure-time sports consumed more alcohol than those who continued to be physically active (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Overall former athletes reported higher alcohol consumption than controls. There was no difference in alcohol-related morbidity, but the risk varied between different sports groups. Alcohol consumption after top-sports career was greater if participation in leisure-time sports was discontinued.

Language: en