A new article from the British Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 07, reviews PRP (Platelet rich Plasma) use in sports medicine. After a good thorough review, they point out that using growth factors is considered a doping violation by the WADA (World Anti-Doping agency). THE WADA created in 1999 to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against doping in sports. The WADA prohibits use of a particular growth factor, Insulin like growth factor (IGF-I). However scientific literature has shown that IGF-I is not increased in PRP. This misunderstanding of PRP may create an ironic situation where this cutting edge technology may be available to the weekend warrior, but not the Olympian. Keep in mind that "growth factors" are different from "growth hormones."
As PRP use increases so does the need for the scientific community to comprehend it's applications & mechanism of action. Hopefully the application of PRP will be recognized as a natural and safe alternative to promote healing in high level athletes and the weekend warrior alike.
Growth Factor Delivery Methods in the Management of Sports Injuries:The State of Play http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/bjsm.2007.040071v1
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