Effects of inhaled salbutamol in exercising non-asthmatic athletes

Bachground-Beta-2 agonists such as salbutamol are used, not only by asthmat ic athletes to prevent exercise induced asthma, but also by non-asthmatic a thletes as a potentially ergogenic agent. We have investigated whether inha led salbutamol enhances endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes. Methods-A prospective double blind, randomised, three way crossover design was used to study the effects of 200 mug and 800 mug inhaled salbutamol ver sus a placebo in 12 trained triathletes. The treatments were compared in th ree 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 psychomotor perfo rmance were evaluated. Results-Neither endurance time nor post-exercise bronchodilation were Signi ficantly different between the treatments. Metabolic parameters were affect ed by exercise but not by treatment. Conclusions-Inhaled salbutamol, even in a high dose, did not have a signifi cant effect on endurance performance in nonasthmatic athletes, although the bronchodilating effect of the drug at the beginning of exercise may have i mproved respiratory adaptation. Our results do not preclude an ergogenic ef fect of beta (2) agonists given by other routes or for a longer period.