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Table 3 Performance changes summary

From: ADHD Prescription Medications and Their Effect on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Study

Medication

Performance measure

Performance effect

Dufka et al. [16]

Methamphetamine

Cycling

No effect on distance travelled (p = 0.81)

(−)

Altszuler et al. [18]

Methylphenidate

Badminton

Medication led to improved performance in knowledge in recreation condition. Only sportsmanship and effort improved on medication by counselor rating (p < .01). Sports training and medication both significantly improved rule violations (p < .05, p < .001)

(+)

King et al. [19]

Methylphenidate

Handgrip

Mean force over all trials significantly higher in methylphenidate group (p = 0.032)

(+)

Roelands et al. [20]

Methylphenidate

Cycling

Methylphenidate increased exercise performance in warm conditions (p = 0.049). Power output was greater in methylphenidate group (p = 0.028)

(+)

Cordery et al. [21]

Bupropion

Cycling

Total work significantly higher in bupropion trial (7.5 ± 9.6% increase; p = 0.042)

(+)

Piacentini et al. [22]

Bupropion

Cycling

No difference in exercise performance (time to compete target amount of work)

(−)

Roelands et al. [23]

Bupropion

Cycling

No significant differences in timed trial or max power output in bupropion trial versus placebo

(−)

Chandler and Blair [17]

Amphetamine

Multiple (cycling, running, strength)

Acceleration (p < 0.05), knee extension strength (p < 0.01), anaerobic capacity (p < 0.05), time to exhaustion (p < 0.01), all significantly increased

(+)

Mahon et al. [24]

Mixed

Cycling

Work rate (exercise intensity) at peak exercise significantly higher with medication (p < 0.05)

(+)

  1. Summary of findings, with (+) indicating a significant difference identified and, (−) indicating no significant difference found