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eISSN: 2581-9615 || CODEN: WJARAI || Impact Factor 8.2 ||  CrossRef DOI

Research and review articles are invited for publication in March 2026 (Volume 29, Issue 3) Submit manuscript

Evidence gaps in the world anti-doping agency’s prohibited list: A critical analysis of scientific and policy limitations

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  • Evidence gaps in the world anti-doping agency’s prohibited list: A critical analysis of scientific and policy limitations

Francesco Ernesto Alessi Longa *

Azteca University, Dep. International Law, Chalco, Mexico.

Review Article

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(02), 913-916

Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2025.26.2.1737

DOI url: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.26.2.1737

Received on 29 March 2025; revised on 03 May 2025; accepted on 06 May 2025

Background: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits substances and methods based on three criteria: performance enhancement, health risks, and violations of the "spirit of sport." However, peer-reviewed critiques highlight inconsistencies in the empirical validation of these criteria.

Objective: To evaluate gaps in the scientific evidence and policy implementation of WADA’s Prohibited List using official WADA data and peer-reviewed literature.

Methods: A systematic review of WADA technical documents (2015–2023), Anti-Doping Testing Figures, and peer-reviewed studies (PubMed/Scopus) identified methodological, empirical, and ethical gaps.

Results: Key gaps include insufficient evidence for performance enhancement (only 19% of prohibited substances supported by athlete RCTs), regional disparities in testing (Africa: 0.2 tests/athlete vs. Europe: 2.1 tests/athlete), and ambiguities in transgender athlete policies.

Conclusion: WADA’s framework requires urgent reforms, including evidence-based substance evaluations, equitable testing resource allocation and transparent policy development.

Anti-doping policy; WADA Prohibited List; Performance-enhancing substances; Evidence-based medicine; Equity

https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/fulltext_pdf/WJARR-2025-1737.pdf

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Francesco Ernesto Alessi Longa. Evidence gaps in the world anti-doping agency’s prohibited list: A critical analysis of scientific and policy limitations. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 26(2), 913-916. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.26.2.1737

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