Effects of inhaled salbutamol in exercising non-asthmatic athletes

Abstract

Background-Beta-2 agonists such as salbutamol are used, not only by asthmatic athletes to prevent exercise induced asthma, but also by non-asthmatic athletes as a potentially ergogenic agent. We have investigated whether inhaled sal-butamol enhances endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes. Methods-A prospective double blind, randomised, three way crossover design was used to study the eVects of 200 µg and 800 µg inhaled salbutamol versus a placebo in 12 trained triathletes. The treatments were compared in three identical cycle ergometer sessions at 85% of the predetermined maximal oxygen uptake. Lung function, endurance time, metabolic parameters (glucose, potassium, lactate, free fatty acid, and glycerol), and psycho-motor performance were evaluated. Results-Neither endurance time nor post-exercise bronchodilation were significantly diVerent between the treatments. Metabolic parameters were aVected by exercise but not by treatment. Conclusions-Inhaled salbutamol, even in a high dose, did not have a significant eVect on endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes, although the bron-chodilating eVect of the drug at the beginning of exercise may have improved respiratory adaptation. Our results do not preclude an ergogenic eVect of 2 agonists given by other routes or for a longer period. (Thorax 2001;56:675-679)