Source: Fox News
Summary
New York Knicks owner James Dolan advised the team to abstain from sex for 10 weeks to win the NBA championship. Dr. Anna Elton, a licensed marriage and family therapist, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, but modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts athletic performance. However, Elton noted that abstinence can have psychological benefits, such as reinforcing discipline and total commitment to a larger goal.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
Abstinence as a performance enhancer has been a topic of discussion for centuries, with some athletes believing it can improve focus, energy, and aggression. However, research has not consistently supported this claim. Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert, echoed this assessment, stating that nearly all studies have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, leaving a lack of data on female athletes, older athletes, or diverse populations. The psychological benefits of abstinence, such as confidence enhancement, may still be beneficial for some competitors.
The Knicks’ owner may be onto something, but the science is not entirely on his side.
Author: Evan Null
