THE EFFECT OF INHALED SALBUTAMOL AND SALMETEROL ON LUNG-FUNCTION AND ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY WELL-TRAINED ATHLETES

The present randomized. double-blind placebo-controlled study aimed at investigating the possible improvement in endurance performance cause d by inhaled salmeterol Gong-acting beta(2)-agonist) and salbutamol (s hort-acting) compared to placebo in IS healthy well-trained athletes, aged 17-30 years old. Lung function (flow-volume loops) was measured b efore and after each inhaled study drug and after run to exhaustion. A fter inhalation of study drug and 10 min warm-up, anaerobic threshold was measured; thereafter maximum oxygen uptake, peak ventilation and r unning time until exhaustion during a brief graded exercise were measu red. No significant differences were found for ventilation, oxygen upt ake or heart rate at anaerobic threshold or at maximum performance bet ween placebo and the Pz-agonists. Lung function increased significantl y after exercise. but without differences between the beta(2)-agonists and placebo. Running time till exhaustion was significantly reduced a fter both the long- and the short-acting beta(2)-agonist compared to t he placebo.