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Article History

Accepted: 17 April 2026

First Online: 21 May 2026

Declarations

:

: SS was supported by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture (EDUFI, OPH-4300-2024), and JK received support from the Research Council of Finland (#337120, GeneCellNano).

: S.L. performed the initial literature search and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. S.L. and M.J. prepared the figures. S.L., S.S., and M.J. performed literature research, reference management, and contributed to and expanded individual sections of the manuscript. S.I. provided key insights into the current doping landscape and conceptual guidance throughout the manuscript's development. J.K. contributed through editing and, together with M.J., coordinated and supervised the work. All authors read and approved the final version of the article.

: Sofie Lehto is an active kickboxer and accredited referee and judge for the Finnish Kickboxing Federation ( Suomen Potkunyrkkeilyliitto ). Sergei Iljukov is a specialist in sports and exercise medicine at Terveystalo , the largest Finnish private healthcare provider. He also serves as a consulting doctor for several amateur and professional sports teams in Finland. In addition to his clinical work, Sergei Iljukov is a researcher in anti-doping and athletic performance. He is a member of the Elite Sports Working Group of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and the Vice-President of the Finnish Society of Sports and Exercise Medicine. Michael Jeltsch has participated in competitive long-distance running events and has a personal interest in the sport. Setareh Sima and Jaana Künnapuu have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

: Not applicable.