Comparative effects of zopiclone and loprazolam on psychomotor and physical performance in active individuals

Objective: Sedative hypnotics are used by athletes to alleviate precompetit ion anxiety and insomnia. The effects of these agents on exercise tolerance have not been extensively researched. Design: To determine the effects of sedative hypnotics on psychomotor and p hysical performance, a double-blind, placebo- (P) controlled, cross-over de signed trial investigated the effects of zopiclone (Z) and loprazolam (L) o n performance in 12 athletes. Intervention: Subjects ingested either P, Z (7.5 mg), or L (2 mg) on three different occasions separated by a 1-week washout period. Eve-hand coordina tion tests, a 30-m sprint test, an agility test, and a graded treadmill run to exhaustion for determination of VO2max were performed 10 hours after dr ug administration. Results: Subjects reported a significantly greater hangover effect followin g ingestion of L (8/11 subjects) compared with ingestion of Z (3/11 subject s; p < 0.01). A greater number of subjects felt alert after ingestion of P (9/11 subjects) and Z (9/11 subjects) compared with L (4/11 subjects; p < 0 .01). The results of the eye-hand coordination tests, the 30-m sprint, the T-test. the VO2max and the time to exhaustion during the treadmill run were not significantly altered following the ingestion of P, Z, and L. There wa s a significant difference between the delta values for Z and L for the num ber of missed responses in the eye-hand coordination tests (p < 0.02). Ther efore, following the ingestion of L, subjects experienced a significant han gover effect and altered reaction time, whereas the ingestion of Z did not significantly impair either psychomotor or physical performance in the admi nistered tests. Clinical Relevance: Investigate the extent of the effects of sedative hypno tics on exercise performances, enabling team physicians to prescribe such d rugs to the athlete more effectively.