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Article

Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore

by
Melody Jiale Chiam
,
Violet Man-Chi Ko
and
Pui Wah Kong
*
Physical Education and Sports Science Department, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(10), 4735; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104735
Submission received: 13 March 2026 / Revised: 1 May 2026 / Accepted: 5 May 2026 / Published: 10 May 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics in Human Health: 2nd Edition)
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This study revealed that adults engaging in exercise in Singapore mostly used topical analgesics to relieve musculoskeletal pain or discomfort as needed. Their usage habit was not influenced by age or exercise frequency. Future studies could investigate the physiological and biomechanical mechanisms of topical analgesics using objective measurement tools.

Abstract

Topical analgesics are increasingly recognised as an essential part of treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions, valued for their localised effectiveness and safer profile compared to systemic options. Recent evidence suggests that the effects of topical analgesics go beyond simply alleviating pain from sports injuries; they also enhance sports performance immediately after application. We conducted a local survey of 141 adults engaging in exercise to gain insight into the use patterns and perceptions of topical analgesics; 102 reported using over-the-counter topical analgesics. Fisher–Freeman–Halton analyses confirmed that usage habits were similar between younger (21–30 years) and older (≥31 years) age groups, as well as between those exercising more frequently (≥3 times per week) and less frequently (once or twice per week). Participants typically employed topical analgesics to alleviate muscle aches, pain, or soreness (n = 92, 90.2%), relieve joint pain or discomfort (n = 57, 55.9%), and/or reduce muscle stiffness (n = 39, 38.2%). Most applied them at home as needed (n = 71, 69.6%), with some participants using them after exercise (n = 60, 58.8%). Regarding the frequency of topical analgesic use, most participants used analgesics fewer than five times a year (n = 54, 52.9%). Over half of the participants viewed topical analgesics as effective or very effective. To conclude, our survey revealed that adults engaging in exercise commonly used topical analgesics to relieve musculoskeletal pain or discomfort as needed.

1. Introduction

Topical analgesics, also known as muscle rub or deep heat cream, are pain-relieving medications applied directly to the skin to relieve localised pain. They are increasingly recognised as an essential part of treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions, valued for their localised effectiveness and safer profile compared to systemic options [1,2]. By enabling direct application to the affected area, topical analgesics offer targeted relief for both acute and chronic discomfort while reducing the risk of systemic side effects commonly linked to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [3,4,5,6,7]. This targeted approach is especially beneficial in sports medicine, where the main aim is to manage acute or chronic pain without compromising athletes’ overall health [1]. Understanding the utilisation of topical analgesics is crucial for improving recovery methods and athletic performance.
The widespread occurrence of muscle injuries remains a persistent challenge across all sports [8]. Epidemiological evidence consistently emphasises significant injury burdens among badminton players [9], professional and non-professional footballers [10,11], baseball pitchers [12], youth tennis players [13], and individuals engaged in high-intensity functional training [14]. In sports that require explosive acceleration and high-speed running, hamstring strains are particularly common and often recur [15]. As these soft-tissue injuries frequently occur in recreational and competitive settings where immediate clinical intervention may not be accessible, over-the-counter topical analgesics have become a primary self-management method for many [16].
Recent evidence suggests that the effects of topical analgesics go beyond alleviating pain and discomfort resulting from sports injuries or intensive training; they may also enhance sports performance immediately after application [17,18,19]. A randomised crossover study suggested that mud packs containing menthol and Arnica Montana may improve recovery of strength and reduce muscle soreness after high-volume exercise [17]. Besides aiding recovery, ingredients such as L-menthol in topical treatments can alter thermal perception, thereby enhancing heat tolerance and endurance during cycling in hot conditions [18]. Since topical analgesics and their ingredients are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) [20], they provide a legal and accessible way to enhance performance. A previous study on college athletes indicated that applying topical analgesics to the upper legs before exercise significantly improved standing broad jump performance by 1.7% (Mdn = 1.0%) compared with placebo cream (Mdn = −0.2%, U = 79.500, p = 0.028) [19]. Despite the statistical significance, however, the substantial inter-individual variability (ranging from a 17 cm increase to a 13 cm decrease) suggests that the practical relevance of this effect may be limited. The physiological mechanisms underlying these improvements involve active ingredients such as salicylates and menthol [21,22,23]. These compounds serve as counterirritants, causing local vasodilation and regulating peripheral blood flow. By potentially improving oxygen delivery to active muscles and supporting mitochondrial respiration, these ingredients may optimise the metabolic environment for maximum muscle performance [22,24].
Despite the widespread availability of over-the-counter topical analgesics in pharmacies across Singapore, a significant gap persists in our understanding of how adults engaging in exercise perceive and utilise these products. Athletes may use topical analgesics before, during, and/or after exercise for various reasons. However, the specific usage patterns, brand preferences, and perceived effectiveness of topical analgesics remain poorly understood in the sporting context in Singapore, particularly in distinguishing their roles in pain relief versus performance enhancement. Understanding these behaviours is essential for developing more effective clinical guidance and physical training regimen. Therefore, this study employed a survey to examine exercise routines, brand recognition, usage patterns, and the perceived effects of over-the-counter topical analgesics among adults engaging in exercise in Singapore. In addition, this study investigated whether age and exercise frequency were associated with the usage habits and reasons for topical analgesic use.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted as an anonymous open web survey. Data were collected from February to March 2024. The study protocol was approved by the Nanyang Technological University Institutional Review Board (IRB-2024-069). This study was conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

2.2. Participants

This study recruited adults engaging in exercise in Singapore. Given the exploratory nature of this survey, we did not perform a priori sample size calculation. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling via word of mouth within a university setting. Participants were eligible if they met the following criteria: (1) were at least 21 years of age, and (2) engaged in exercise at least once per week. Individuals younger than 21 years or those who did not exercise regularly were excluded. Both male and female volunteers were included, and no restrictions were placed on sex. All participants provided online informed consent before completing the survey.

2.3. Topical Analgesics

Our survey included four common brands of topical analgesic products, namely Eagle Brand®, Tiger Balm®, Ammeltz Yoko Yoko®, and Salonpas® (Figure 1). These four brands were chosen because they are available at most local pharmacies and supermarkets (e.g., Watsons, Guardian, Unity, FairPrice, and Cold Storage). In addition, Salonpas® and Tiger Balm® were well-established brands in the global topical analgesics market, with consumer reviews available on an independent pharmaceutical online platform (Drugs.com). These over-the-counter topical analgesics offer temporary relief from aches and pains, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. The active ingredients of these topical analgesics are: Eagle Brand® (Menthol 14.5%, Methyl Salicylate 30%), Tiger Balm® (Menthol 5%, Methyl Salicylate 15%, Camphor 3%), Salonpas® (Menthol 3%, Methyl Salicylate 10%), and Ammeltz Yoko Yoko® (Menthol 3%, Glycol Salicylate 2.5%, Benzyl Nicotinate 0.01%, Nonivamide 0.01%).

2.4. Survey Design

An online survey was designed and distributed in English using the Qualtrics® XM software in 2024 (Provo, UT, USA). Compared with the traditional paper-and-pencil approach, online surveys offer the advantages of broader reach and greater efficiency, enabling automated data capture and eliminating human errors associated with manual data entry. Participants could easily access and complete the survey on a range of devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones, making participation convenient.
In this study, the survey was designed to comprise two main sections: (1) exercise habits and (2) topical analgesic use for musculoskeletal issues (see Table 1). Participants were first asked about the frequency and forms of exercise they typically performed. To assess brand awareness and usage patterns, participants were asked whether they had heard of or previously used any of the four chosen brands of topical analgesics. Additional items examined reasons for using muscle rub, the typical timing of application, and the frequency with which they used these products. Finally, participants rated how effective they perceived the muscle rub to be. Collectively, these questions provided a comprehensive overview of participants’ familiarity with, motivations for, and experiences using topical analgesics. The survey was piloted with approximately 10 university students and research staff. The content and order of the questions were refined several times based on the feedback obtained.
The survey was designed to be quick and easy to complete, requiring approximately 15 min on average. To minimise potential bias during data handling, participants’ responses could not be edited once submitted. Additionally, the survey items were presented in a fixed order, and randomisation was not implemented due to the sequential structure of the questions.

2.5. Data Analysis

The Qualtrics® data collected was exported and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Mac, version 31 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Prior to analysis, the dataset was screened for completeness, and cases with missing values were excluded to avoid introducing bias through imputation and to preserve the representativeness of the final sample. This study targeted participants who engaged in exercise and hence responders with missing exercise frequency data were excluded from the analysis. For survey questions that allowed multiple responses, each response was counted separately in data analysis.
First, descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, frequency, percentage) were used to summarise responses for each survey item and to characterise overall usage patterns and perceived effectiveness of selected brands of topical analgesics. Where applicable, bar charts were generated to facilitate visual comparisons across categories. Next, Fisher–Freeman–Halton tests were performed to analyse the influence of age and exercise frequency on usage habits and reasons for topical analgesic use. Due to the small sample size and sparse contingency tables, with more than 20% of expected cell frequencies below 5, categorical variables were analysed using the Fisher–Freeman–Halton test rather than the chi-square test. Participants were classified into two age groups: 21–30 years (n = 80) and ≥31 years (n = 18) owing to the small number of respondents in the older age categories. Participants who did not report their age (n = 4) were excluded from the age-based Fisher–Freeman–Halton analysis. The influence of exercise frequency on the usage habits was analysed by grouping participants into those who exercised 1–2 times per week (n = 36) and those who exercised 3 times or more per week (n = 66). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Participant Demographics

We received 157 responses, with 150 participants providing consent to participate in the survey. Four participants reported not exercising, and five did not provide information about their exercise habits. Thus, a total of nine participants were excluded from the study, leaving a final sample of 141 eligible participants. Among these 141 participants, 98 (69.5%) exercised more than three times per week, while 43 (30.5%) exercised once or twice per week. They reported engaging in sports (n = 86, 61%), attending fitness classes (n = 81, 57.4%), doing home-based exercises (n = 74, 52.5%), going for walks, jogs, or runs (n = 43, 30.5%), training at the gym (n = 25, 17.7%), and other forms of exercise (n = 15, 10.6%).
A total of 102 participants reported having previously used topical analgesics. Among these participants, there was a heavy demographic skew towards younger adults aged 21–30 years (n = 80, 78.4%), compared with those aged above 30 years (n = 18, 17.6%), likely due to recruitment being conducted within a university setting.

3.2. Brand Recognition

Most participants were familiar with four selected topical analgesic brands (Figure 2). The Salonpas® (n = 133, 94.3%) and Tiger Balm® (n = 133, 94.3%) were the most recognised brands, followed by Ammeltz Yoko Yoko® (n = 131, 92.9%) and Eagle Brand® (n = 60, 42.6%).

3.3. Usage of Topical Analgesics

Of 141 eligible participants, a large number reported using topical analgesics (n = 102, 72.3%), while some did not (n = 39, 27.7%). The questions about reasons, frequency, and perceived effects were inapplicable to those who did not use topical analgesics (Questions 5–8). Therefore, Questions 5–8 were analysed based on responses from 102 participants (51 males, 44 females, and 7 who preferred not to disclose their sex) with experience using topical analgesics. Fisher–Freeman–Halton analyses by age and exercise frequency demonstrated that these did not influence any usage habits or reasons for use (Table 2 and Table 3).

3.4. Reasons for Use

Participants used topical analgesics for different reasons and results were consistent between younger and older age groups (Table 2), and among individuals with different exercise frequencies (Table 3). Most participants applied topical analgesics to alleviate muscle aches, pains, or soreness (n = 92, 90.2%). More than half of the participants used the products to alleviate joint pain or discomfort (n = 57, 55.9%). Others used topical analgesics to reduce muscle stiffness (n = 39, 38.2%), as part of their warm-up routine (n = 16, 15.7%) and/or to enhance sports performance (n = 11, 10.8%).

3.5. Brand Used

There were 102 participants who reported using topical analgesics. Among the four topical analgesic brands included in the study survey, the most used brands of topical analgesics were Salonpas® (n = 91, 89.2%), followed by Ammeltz Yoko Yoko® (n = 79, 77.5%), Tiger Balm® (n = 65, 63.7%), and Eagle Brand® (n = 18, 17.6%).

3.6. Timing of Use

Participants used topical analgesics in different settings and at different times, which might be related to exercise or general use as needed (Table 2 and Table 3). Most applied them at home as needed (n = 71, 69.6%), followed by using them after exercise (n = 60, 58.8%), before exercise (n = 23, 22.6%), and during exercise (n = 15, 14.7%).

3.7. Frequency of Use

Regarding the frequency of topical analgesic use, the majority of participants reported using these products fewer than 5 times per year (n = 54, 52.9%), while some participants (n = 32, 31.4%) used them once or twice a month (Table 4). Only a small number of participants used topical analgesics frequently: 1–2 times per week (n = 8, 7.8%) or 3 times per week (n = 6, 5.9%). Two participants did not respond to this question.

3.8. Perceived Effectiveness

Regarding the perceived effectiveness of topical analgesics, more than half of the participants viewed them as effective (n = 58, 56.9%; Table 4) or very effective (n = 4, 3.9%). A substantial proportion expressed uncertainty about their effectiveness (n = 36, 35.3%). Two participants considered the products ineffective, and two participants did not respond to this item.

4. Discussion

4.1. Summary of Findings

This survey study examined the usage patterns and perceived effects of common over-the-counter topical analgesics among adults engaging in exercise in Singapore. Our results indicated that participants often used topical analgesics to relieve muscle and joint pain or stiffness. Most participants used topical analgesics at home as needed, while some used them after exercise. In terms of frequency, participants commonly applied analgesics fewer than five times a year. Age and exercise frequency did not influence the brands, reasons, or timing of topical analgesic use. Our findings align with current evidence on topical analgesics, which supports their efficacy in treating muscle soreness and soft-tissue injuries.

4.2. Pain Relief

According to the survey results, relief for muscle and joint pain or stiffness was the most commonly reported reason for using topical analgesics. Participants’ ages (Table 2) or exercise frequency (Table 3) did not influence the usage habits. The active ingredients in topical analgesics may help reduce acute pain in muscles and joints [25]. All brands of topical analgesics investigated in the present study include salicylate as their primary active ingredient. Three out of the four brands (Eagle Brand®, Tiger Balm®, and Salonpas®) prominently feature methyl salicylate as their primary active ingredient. Methyl salicylate, derived from wintergreen oil, is commonly used in topical applications [26]. The therapeutic effects of methyl salicylate were investigated based on the principle of counterirritation [27]. This compound induces cutaneous vasodilation and modulates thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels to mitigate pain of subdermal origin. In the literature, a randomised controlled trial suggested that applying a patch containing methyl salicylate and menthol significantly reduced pain associated with mild to moderate muscle strains compared with a placebo patch [24]. Given that a common reason for topical analgesic use among participants was pain relief and that these products contain active compounds designed to mitigate pain, these pharmacological properties align with the high perceived effectiveness reported by the participants.

4.3. Timing of Use

Over half of the participants reported using topical analgesics at home and after exercise. The anaesthetic effects of topical analgesics can influence the timing of use. In addition to methyl salicylate, menthol is the secondary active ingredient in the over-the-counter topical analgesics. Menthol has been widely used in traditional medicine for these effects, providing a cooling sensation when applied to the skin and potentially acting as a weak sodium channel blocker [23]. The feeling associated with topical menthol can last five to sixty minutes following application [28]. Its influence on activity-dependent voltage-gated neuronal channels produces a mild local anaesthetic effect [23]. The anaesthetic effect and cooling sensation of topical menthol are well documented in the current literature. Participants may use them to alleviate muscle soreness and joint discomfort at home and after exercise. The timing of topical analgesic use did not differ between younger and older participants, nor between those exercising once or twice per week and those exercising three times or more per week. This suggests that usage timing may be driven more by individual preferences or habitual practices rather than age or exercise frequency.

4.4. Sports Performance Enhancement

Anecdotal observations indicate that some athletes habitually apply topical analgesics to their limbs during warm-up as a means of enhancing performance. Similar behaviours have been noted in endurance events, where runners apply these products at multiple timepoints throughout a race. Consistent with these observations, our survey revealed that a small number of participants used topical analgesics as part of their warm-up routine and/or to enhance sports performance. In the literature, there is evidence suggesting that topical analgesics improve sports performance, such as lower limb strength [17], standing broad jump distance [19], range of motion [29,30], and repeated-sprint performance [31]. While more than half of participants perceive topical analgesics to be effective, the mechanisms by which different active ingredients may affect physical performance remain unclear. The brands and formulations of topical analgesics may affect clinical outcomes related to physical performance. Future research could investigate physiological and biomechanical mechanisms by which topical analgesics may improve physical performance.

4.5. Risks and Benefits

Most participants considered topical analgesics effective and used them at home as needed, without prescriptions from medical professionals (Table 2 and Table 3). Muscle injuries are common among athletes participating in various sports [8,11,12,13,14]. Topical analgesics can help manage pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries [16]. Their primary advantage lies in providing targeted pain relief locally with minimal systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs [6,25]. Although topical analgesics are generally considered safe, these products can pose specific risks. Up to 40% of users may experience adverse skin reactions, including localised rashes, itching, and a burning sensation [1]. Furthermore, they are relatively contraindicated for individuals with affected areas that exhibit rashes [1]. Users should recognise the potential benefits and risks of over-the-counter topical analgesics and make an informed decision on the frequency and dosage of application. When in doubt, they should consult medical professionals about their health conditions for alternative pharmacological treatments or specialised advice if they experience any adverse effects after using topical analgesics.

4.6. Limitations

We acknowledge several limitations of the present study. First, the survey included only four brands of over-the-counter topical analgesics. Although these brands are commonly available in Singapore, they may not be sufficiently representative of the full range of products used by the broader population. Second, the perceived effects of topical analgesics were based on self-reported responses, which are inherently subjective and may be influenced by individual expectations or recall bias. Future research should incorporate objective outcome measures to more accurately assess the effects of topical analgesics, such as validated pain scores, muscle strength assessments, or sport-specific performance tests. Third, the use of convenience sampling raises concerns regarding the representativeness of the sample. Because participation was voluntary and responses were collected anonymously, we cannot determine the exact characteristics of those who chose to respond. It is possible that those who were particularly interested in topical analgesics were more likely to participate, potentially introducing selection bias. Fourthly, the survey was not formally validated by experts in the field, and some response categories were not mutually exclusive, which may have affected the clarity and interpretation of the findings. Lastly, the sample size was small, with a limited number of participants older than 30 years. This may restrict the generalisability of the results to the broader Singapore population, especially older age groups.

4.7. Practical Applications and Future Direction

Among adults who exercise regularly, topical analgesics are mainly used for muscle and joint pain management during recovery. Most individuals perceived the topical analgesics as effective, and their usage habits are not influenced by age or exercise frequency. To move beyond subjective perceptions presented here, future studies should incorporate objective measurement tools, such as strength, electromyography or kinematic analysis, to evaluate the physiological and biomechanical effects of these analgesics on pain relief and neuromuscular function [32,33,34,35].

5. Conclusions

This survey study examined the usage patterns and perceived effects of common over-the-counter topical analgesics among adults engaging in exercise in Singapore. The results revealed that most participants used commercially available topical analgesics as needed to relieve musculoskeletal and joint pain or stiffness, with Salonpas® as the most popular brand. Participants typically apply topical analgesics at home and after exercise, fewer than five times per year. Over half of the participants perceived the over-the-counter topical analgesics as effective or very effective. Age and exercise frequency did not influence the use of topical analgesics. Our findings align with current evidence on topical analgesics, which supports their efficacy in treating muscle soreness and soft-tissue injuries. Future studies could investigate the physiological and biomechanical mechanisms of topical analgesics using objective measurement tools.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, M.J.C. and P.W.K.; methodology, M.J.C. and P.W.K.; data curation, M.J.C., V.M.-C.K. and P.W.K.; formal analysis, V.M.-C.K. and P.W.K.; writing—original draft preparation, V.M.-C.K. and P.W.K.; writing—reviewing and editing, M.J.C., V.M.-C.K. and P.W.K.; supervision, P.W.K.; project administration, M.J.C. and P.W.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

Melody Jiale Chiam was supported by the National Institute of Education Master by Research Scholarship.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Nanyang Technological University Institutional Review Board (protocol code: IRB-2024-069; date of approval: 6 February 2024).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in this study.

Data Availability Statement

The datasets utilised and analysed in the present study are accessible at the NIE Data Repository (https://doi.org/10.25340/R4/P6EOC7).

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
NSAIDsNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
WADAWorld Anti-Doping Agency

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Applsci 16 04735 g001
Figure 1. Four common over-the-counter topical analgesics available in Singapore pharmacies and supermarkets. From left to right, Eagle Brand®, Tiger Balm®, Ammeltz Yoko Yoko®, Salonpas®.
Figure 1. Four common over-the-counter topical analgesics available in Singapore pharmacies and supermarkets. From left to right, Eagle Brand®, Tiger Balm®, Ammeltz Yoko Yoko®, Salonpas®.
Applsci 16 04735 g001
Applsci 16 04735 g002
Figure 2. Brand recognition of commercially available over-the-counter topical analgesic products. Total number of participants responding to this question = 141 (100%).
Figure 2. Brand recognition of commercially available over-the-counter topical analgesic products. Total number of participants responding to this question = 141 (100%).
Applsci 16 04735 g002
Table 1. Survey questions on topical analgesics (muscle rub) use.
Table 1. Survey questions on topical analgesics (muscle rub) use.
No.Questions
1Do you exercise regularly?
2What forms of exercises do you perform?
3Have you heard of any of these muscle rub brands before?
4What is/are the reason(s) you use muscle rub?
5Have you used any of these muscle rub brands before?
6When do you use muscle rub?
7How often do you use muscle rub?
8How effective was the use of muscle rub?
9Your gender?
10Your age?
Table 2. Topical analgesic usage habits analysed by age groups.
Table 2. Topical analgesic usage habits analysed by age groups.
Age Groups
21–30 years
(n = 80)		≥31 years
(n = 18)
Reasons for Usen%n%
Improve sports performance (n = 11)87.8%32.9%
Warm up muscles before exercise (n = 16)1312.8%32.9%
Relieve muscle ache, pain or soreness (n = 90)7573.5%1514.7%
Reduce muscle stiffness (n = 38)3231.4%65.9%
Relieve joint pain or discomfort (n = 56)5049.0%65.9%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 2.752, p = 0.602
21–30 years≥31 years
Brand Usedn%n%
Tiger Balm® (n = 63)5150%1211.8%
Eagle Brand® (n = 17)1110.8%65.9%
Ammeltz Yoko Yoko® (n = 77)6462.8%1312.8%
Salonpas® (n = 88)7472.6%1413.7%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 3.566, p = 0.313
21–30 years≥31 years
Timing of Use n%n%
Before exercise (n = 23)1716.7%65.9%
During exercise (n = 15)1211.8%32.9%
After exercise (n = 59)5150.0%87.8%
At home whenever I feel the need to (n = 69)5856.9%1110.8%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 2.211, p = 0.521
Note: The total number of respondents is 102, including 4 participants who did not report their age. The denominators used to calculate the percentages are the total number of respondents (n = 102).
Table 3. Topical analgesic usage habits analysed by exercise frequency.
Table 3. Topical analgesic usage habits analysed by exercise frequency.
Exercise Frequency
1–2 times per week
(n = 36)		≥3 times per week
(n = 66)
Reasons for Usen%n%
Improve sports performance (n = 11)11.0%109.8%
Warm up muscles before exercise (n = 16)22.0%1413.7%
Relieve muscle ache, pain or soreness (n = 92)3231.4%6058.8%
Reduce muscle stiffness (n = 39)1413.7%2524.5%
Relieve joint pain or discomfort (n = 57)1716.7%4039.2%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 5.928, p = 0.201
1–2 times per week≥3 times per week
Brand Usedn%n%
Tiger Balm® (n = 65)2120.6%4443.1%
Eagle Brand® (n = 18)54.9%1312.8%
Ammeltz Yoko Yoko® (n = 79)3332.4%4645.1%
Salonpas® (n = 91)3332.4%5856.9%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 1.954, p = 0.590
1–2 times per week≥3 times per week
Timing of Use n%n%
Before exercise (n= 23)54.9%1817.7%
During exercise (n = 15)43.9%1110.8%
After exercise (n = 60)2524.5%3534.3%
At home whenever I feel the need to (n = 71)2423.5%4746.1%
Fisher–Freeman–Halton statisticsχ2 = 3.292, p = 0.352
Note: The total number of respondents is 102. The denominators used to calculate the percentages are the total number of respondents (n = 102).
Table 4. Frequency and perceived effects of using topical analgesics.
Table 4. Frequency and perceived effects of using topical analgesics.
FrequencyNumber of Participants (n)Percentages (%)
More than 3 times per week65.9
1–2 times per week87.8
1–2 times per month3231.4
Less than 5 times per year5452.9
Did not respond22.0
Perceived effectivenessn%
Very effective43.9
Effective5856.9
Unsure3635.3
Not effective22.0
Did not respond22.0
Note: Total number of respondents = 102 (100%). The denominators used to calculate the percentages are the total number of respondents (n = 102).
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MDPI and ACS Style

Chiam, M.J.; Ko, V.M.-C.; Kong, P.W. Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore. Appl. Sci. 2026, 16, 4735. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104735

AMA Style

Chiam MJ, Ko VM-C, Kong PW. Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore. Applied Sciences. 2026; 16(10):4735. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104735

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chiam, Melody Jiale, Violet Man-Chi Ko, and Pui Wah Kong. 2026. "Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore" Applied Sciences 16, no. 10: 4735. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104735

APA Style

Chiam, M. J., Ko, V. M.-C., & Kong, P. W. (2026). Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore. Applied Sciences, 16(10), 4735. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16104735

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