Treatment with inhaled beta(2)-agonists or oral leukotriene antagonist do not enhance physical performance in nonasthmatic highly trained athletes exposed to-15 degrees C

Three studies were performed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects o f inhaling the short-acting beta(2)-agonist salbutamol, the long-acting bet a(2)-agonist salmeterol and oral administration of the leukotriene antagoni st montelukast on physical performance in nonasthmatic highly trained endur ance athletes at -15 degrees C. The results show that the three asthmatic m edications do not enhance physical performance during submaximal and maxima l exercise in nonasthmatic highly trained athletes exposed to sub-zero cond itions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.