1 INTRODUCTION RESULTS METHODS CONCLUSIONSAmmonia Inhalants (AI) are also known as smelling salts, they contain ammonium carbonate usually mixed with some kind of perfume which is sniffed in order to stimulate an individual (7). When sniffed the ammonia gas released from the mixture irritates the nerve endings within the nose, nasal cavity and lungs. Changing the individuals breathing pattern and causes an inhalation reflex, increasing respiratory rate and possibly alertness (8). The use of AI’s by athletes as a means of increasing alertness or a method of “psyching up” is known to occur (3), and AI’s are not banned by WADA. In fact, in the International Powerlifting Federations (IPF) rulebook it states “A lifter shall not wrap, adjust his costume or use ammonia within view of the public.” (5). Suggesting widespread use of AI amongst powerlifters however, there is currently no research documenting their actual use, or potential ergogenic affects. Additionally, the use of “pre-workout” supplements and/or energy drinks appears common amongst strength athletes and powerlifters. The use of “pre-workout” supplements, usually containing caffeine, amino acids, creatine and other potentially ergogenic compounds, has been shown to have acute (2, 4) and chronic (6) benefits when taken prior to resistance exercise. Similarly, caffeine ingested prior to exercise may improve measures of muscular strength (1). While the use of these stimulants is obviously common place in training, their use in competition is currently unclear. Purpose: To determine whether the anecdotal use of stimulants by powerlifters is prevalent within the sport, as well as whether the users of these stimulants believe them to be effective and safe. Ammonia Inhalants AI use occurred in 49.2% of respondents, with use on 2-3 attempts per competition being the most common amongst AI users. AI’s were most commonly used during the deadlift, however many users used them across multiple lifts during a meet. The majority (79.7%) of all respondents felt that using AI was safe however 9.8% of users reported side effects from AI use, but used it none the less. Of those using AI, 78% believed it improved their performance while the remaining users felt there was no performance benefit to its use. AI Use (Attempts per Meet) 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8+ 11.9% 45.2% * 10.3% 15.1% 17.5% AI Use by Lift Squat Bench Press Deadlift 55.6% 46.0% 89.7% * Pre-Workout Supplements and Energy Drinks The majority of respondents reported never using pre-workout supplements during competition, as too did a third of respondents when asked about energy drink use during competition. Pre-Workout Supplement Use During Competition Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always 51.9% * 12.5% 10.2% 11.3% 14.1% METHODS Design: Exploratory descriptive study Subjects: 313 male powerlifters began the survey, with 256 of these participants completing all questions. Target population: Powerlifters affiliated with the IPF. Survey questions: Survey divided into four parts: use in competition, use in training, benefits & side effects, and best lifts. Closed questions were used for all questions except where a short written response was allowed to explain answers relating to benefits, side effects and on which lifts it is used. Data analysis: Statistical analysis was carried out in SAS for Windows v9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). GENMOD was performed to analyse the difference in responses where appropriate. Significance was set at p ≤ In tables * indicates significance from all other values. Energy Drink Use During Competition Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always 34.4% * 12.5% 13.7% 19.5% 19.9% As with AI use, the majority (78%) of “pre-workout” users felt the products they use are safe and that they help improve performance (74.7%). Energy drink users felt that these products are safe (78.9%) and that they help improve their lifting performance (63%). Some users (36.6%) of “pre-workouts” and energy drinks reported that they had side effects from these products however the majority did not. CONCLUSIONS References Astorino, T.A. & Roberson, D.W. Efficacy of acute caffeine ingestion for short-term high-intensity exercise performance: A systematic review. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 24(1): Gonzalez, A.M., Walsh, A.L., Ratamess, N.A., Kang, J. & Hoffman, J. R. Effect of a pre-workout supplement on acute multi-joint resistance exercise. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 10(2): Herrick, R.T. & Herrick, S. Allergic reaction to aromatic ammonia inhalant ampule. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 11(1): Hoffman, J.R., Ratamess, N.A., Ross, R., Shanklin, M., Kang, J. & Faigenbaum, A.D. Effect of a pre-exercise energy supplement on the acute hormonal response to resistance exercise. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 22 (3): IPF. Technical Rules Book Available from: Kraemer, W.J., Hatfield, D.L., Spiering, B.A., Vingren, J.L., Fragala, M.S., Ho, J.K., Volek, J.S., Anderson, J.M. & Maresh, C.M. Effects of a multi-nutrient supplement on exercise performance and hormonal responses to resistance exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 101(5):   2007. McCrory, P. Warm up; smelling salts. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 40: Velasquez, J.R. The use of ammonia inhalants among athletes. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 33(2): The use of AIs, energy drinks and “pre-workout” supplements during powerlifting competition is commonplace with the majority of users believing there are performance benefits to be had through their use. Therefore, even in the absence of substantive scientific evidence, powerlifters looking to enhance their performance on the platform may find ergogenic benefits through the use of these stimulants; individuals should assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of these products on their own performance as individual results may vary.