The winter may be peak season for wrestling bouts, but there is no point in taking anti-biotics to strengthen the holds that wrestlers use on their opponents.
Indeed, say experts, free from anti-biotics, wrestlers with a rasping cough and a belter of a sneeze might add a bit of punch to a Pile-Driver or Gorilla Press.
In recent years, many wrestlers have been taking anti-biotics, partly because they think it is a 'socially acceptable' drug, but mainly because they believe it strengthens arm-holds and masks pain.
However, scientists have now cast doubt on such beliefs.
In an international study, 500 wrestlers were randomly picked up, hurled down on a mat and knelt on by GPs, who gave them either an anti-biotic or a placebo.
Later on, the two groups of wrestlers got their own back on the doctors in the wrestling ring by applying their most powerful holds - such as Torture Rack and Jack Knife.
Little difference was found in either severity or duration of holds.
Those given anti-biotics reported more side effects, according to the report in the Medical Section of Wrestling Times.
"I was alright until I started taking anti-biotics," said Hulk Hogan, "but now my right side really hurts.
