ORAL ALBUTEROL DOSING DURING THE LATTER STAGES OF A RESISTANCE EXERCISE PROGRAM The effect of inhaled salbutamol and salmeterol on lung function and endurance performance in healthy well-trained athletes. Inhaled salbutamol and endurance cycling performance in non-asthmatic athletes. Failure of aminophylline and salbutamol to improve respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance in healthy humans. Effects of acute inhalation of albuterol on submaximal and maximal VO2 and blood lactate. Enhancement of exercise performance with inhaled albuterol. Effects of acute salbutamol intake during a Wingate test. Salbutamol and high-intensity treadmill running in nonasthmatic highly conditioned athletes. Salbutamol, a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, increases skeletal muscle strength in young men. Prevalence of asthma and atopy in Italian Olympic athletes. Albuterol aids resistance exercise in reducing unloading-induced ankle extensor strength losses. The effect of salbutamol on performance in endurance cyclists Beta 2-agonists and running economy in prepubertal boys. The effects of albuterol and isokinetic exercise on the quadriceps muscle group. Albuterol has no effect on diaphragmatic fatigue in humans. Effects of acute ingestion of salbutamol during submaximal exercise. CAN ALBUTEROL HELP RESISTANCE EXERCISE ATTENUATE UNLOADING‐INDUCED BONE LOSS? Short term salbutamol ingestion and supramaximal exercise in healthy women Can asthma treatment in sports be doping? The effect of the rapid onset, long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist formoterol upon endurance performance in healthy well-trained athletes. Effects of acute salbutamol intake during supramaximal exercise in women High prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma in ice hockey players. Acute formoterol administration has no ergogenic effect in nonasthmatic athletes. Is Salmeterol Ergogenic? Effects of acute inhalation of the bronchodilator, albuterol, on power output. Inhaled albuterol does not protect against ozone toxicity in nonasthmatic athletes. The effects of albuterol on power output in non-asthmatic athletes. The effects of beta 2-agonists and caffeine on respiratory and limb muscle performance. Effects of inhaled salbutamol in exercising non-asthmatic athletes Influence of a beta2-agonist on physical performance at low temperature in elite athletes. Effects of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids on exercise induced arterial hypoxaemia in trained male athletes The effects of salmeterol on power output in nonasthmatic athletes. Salmeterol and physical performance at -15 degrees C in highly trained nonasthmatic cross-country skiers. Effects of acute salbutamol inhalation on quadriceps force and fatigability. Effect of cold exposure (-15 degrees C) and salbutamol treatment on physical performance in elite nonasthmatic cross-country skiers. Albuterol and exercise effects on ankle extensor strength during 40 days of unloading. Albuterol helps resistance exercise attenuate unloading-induced knee extensor losses. Effects of fenoterol on inspiratory effort sensation and fatigue during inspiratory threshold loading. The effect of salbutamol on performance in elite nonasthmatic athletes. Effects of formoterol on endurance performance in athletes at an ambient temperature of -20 degrees C.
Subjects performed isoload variable resistance exercise ( REX ) 3 days per week . After 10 weeks , they received a double-blind albuterol ( n = 11 ) or placebo ( n = 11 ) capsule assignment with no crossover and continued training . During the first week of capsule administration , dosages were increased from 4 mg to 16 mg daily and then maintained for 14 days . At weeks 0 , 10 , and 13 , we measured upper arm and thigh cross-sectional area , knee and elbow extensor and flexor ( KE , KF , EE , EF ) strength at 3 angular velocities , and lean body mass . Data after 10 weeks showed insignificant between-group differences . From weeks 10–13 , as subjects continued REX training , albuterol evoked higher ( p < 0.05 ) KE-KF strength gains at multiple velocities versus placebo dosing . A higher lean body mass trend also occurred with albuterol from weeks 10–13 . Results suggest that albuterol augments REX to provide greater strength gains from hypertrophic factors than an REX-placebo assignment The present r and omized , double-blind placebo-controlled study aim ed at investigating the possible improvement in endurance performance caused by inhaled salmeterol ( long-acting beta 2-agonist ) and salbutamol ( short-acting ) compared to placebo in 18 healthy well-trained athletes , aged 17 - 30 years old .  Lung function ( flow-volume loops ) was measured before and after each inhaled study drug and after run to exhaustion . After inhalation of study drug and 10 min warm-up , anaerobic threshold was measured ; thereafter maximum oxygen uptake , peak ventilation and running time until exhaustion during a brief grade d exercise were measured . No significant differences were found for ventilation , oxygen uptake or heart rate at anaerobic threshold or at maximum performance between placebo and the beta 2-agonists . Lung function increased significantly after exercise , but without differences between the beta 2-agonists and placebo . Running time till exhaustion was significantly reduced after both the long- and the short-acting beta 2-agonist compared to the placebo Beta(2)-adrenergic agonists are important therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of ( exercise-induced ) asthma in athletes , but may have ergogenic effects . In this study we investigated whether inhalation of a supra-therapeutic dose of 800 microg salbutamol before exercise affects endurance performance during a cycling trial in non-asthmatic athletes . In a double-blind , r and omized cross-over study , 16 athletes performed two trials , where they had to perform a certain amount of work as fast as possible on a cycle ergometer , 30 minutes after inhalation of 800 micro g salbutamol or placebo .  Peak expiratory flow ( PEF ) , forced vital capacity ( FVC ) , and forced expiratory volume in 1 second ( FEV(1 ) ) were measured before and after exercise and blood sample s were obtained before and during exercise . Cycling performance time was 4010.2 + /- 327.7 s after placebo inhalation and 3927.6 + /- 231.3 s after inhalation salbutamol ( p < 0.05 ) . Although salbutamol inhalation increased plasma free fatty acids , glycerol and lactate concentrations and decreased plasma potassium concentrations at rest , no differences between placebo and salbutamol in these variables were found during exercise . PEF and FEV(1 ) were increased after salbutamol inhalation at rest compared with placebo , but the difference between placebo and salbutamol after exercise was no longer significant . Inhalation of a supratherapeutic dose of 800 micro g salbutamol improved endurance cycling performance by 1.9 + /- 1.8 % in non-asthmatic athletes , which indicates that this route of administration does not exclude the possibility of an ergogenic effect of beta(2)-adrenergic agents in athletes . The increase in performance was not explained by changes in plasma concentrations of free fatty acids , glycerol , lactate , and potassium during exercise or by changes in ventilatory parameters at rest and after exercise . Therefore , the mechanism of the increase in performance remains to be determined We investigated the effects of intravenously administered aminophylline ( A ; 6 mg/kg over 20 min , followed by 0.9 mg/kg/h ) , salbutamol ( S ; 4 micrograms/kg over 20 min , followed by 3 micrograms/kg/h ) and placebo ( P ; saline solution ) on the strength of the respiratory muscles , the ventilatory endurance and the exercise tolerance in 7 healthy humans . Neither A nor S caused bronchodilation , as shown by the lack of change in FEV1 . The strength of respiratory muscles , as measured by maximal inspiratory pressure ( MIP ) , and the ventilatory endurance , as measured by sustainable inspiratory pressure ( SIP ) , were not statistically different after A ( MIP : 136.5 + /- SE 11.6 cm H2O ; SIP : 104.2 + /- 8.4 cm H2O or after S ( MIP : 135.7 + /- 11.5 ; SIP : 107.1 + /- 10.4 ) compared to after P ( MIP : 127.1 + /- 10.1 ; SIP : 105.0 + /- 5.9 ) . Significant changes in 12-min walking distance , perceived exertion rate , anaerobic threshold , maximal work output , maximal O2 uptake were observed neither after A nor after S. The exchange ratio and heart rate were higher after A and S than after P at some steps of a progressive , symptom-limited , treadmill-based exercise test . This might be the result of metabolic or cardiovascular adaptations elicited by these drugs . We conclude that A or S at therapeutic concentrations have no clinical ly relevant beneficial effects on ventilatory muscle function and exercise tolerance in healthy subjects The acute effects of inhaled albuterol , a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist , on measures of endurance cycling performance and pulmonary function were assessed in 21 competitive road cyclists . A 5 step methacholine challenge revealed all cyclists to be non-asthmatic .  Albuterol ( A ) total dose 360 micrograms or a saline placebo ( P ) was administered by inhaler , in 4 metered doses of 90 micrograms each , 15 minutes before cycle ergometry exercise . Heart rate , whole blood lactate , perceived exertion and VO2 were determined at the submaximal workloads of 150 , 200 , 225 , 250 , 275 , 300 watts and at max . Pulmonary function tests determining forced vital capacity , forced expiratory volume during the first second of expiration , forced mid-expiratory flow and maximal voluntary ventilation were performed prior to and 10 minutes after inhalation ; and 5 , 10 and 15 minutes after termination of the exercise protocol . Heart rate was significantly greater during the A compared to the P treatment at 200 ( 150.8 + /- 2.5 vs 146.7 + /- 2.8 beats per minute ) , 225 ( 159.7 + /- 2.4 vs 154.6 + /- 2.7 beats per minute ) and 250 watts ( 166.9 + /- 2.4 vs 164.4 + /- 2.6 beats per minute ) . Whole blood lactate was significantly greater during the A compared to the P treatment at 275 watts ( 4.7 + /- 0.3 vs 4.2 + /- 0.4 mmol.l-1 ) . No other significant differences were found between the 2 treatments at any time point . These data indicate that the acute effect of albuterol inhalation at twice the recommended dosage has no positive effect on endurance performance measures or pulmonary function in athletes who are not asthmatic The use of bronchodilators in athletic competition has allowed asthmatics to participate successfully in competitive events . Little information exists regarding possible bronchodilator use by non-asthmatic competitive athletes . Fifteen non-asthmatic cyclists participated in a double-blind , r and omized , cross-over protocol involving a simulated race , i.e. , one-hour heavy continuous exercise ( minute ventilation ( VE ) 81 L/min BTPS ) followed by maximal effort workload to exhaustion , with/without prior inhalation of albuterol to see if their exercise performance would be acutely altered . Each study day metabolic parameters were obtained four times . Pulmonary function tests were performed prior to and after the inhalant ( albuterol/placebo ) and following exercise . There was a significant increase in forced expiratory flow parameters following albuterol . Although not significant , oxygen uptake ( VO2 ) and VE were smaller during the one-hour submaximal test following albuterol and VO2max and VEmax were higher . There was an increased ride time ( 196 vs. 159 s ; p less than 0.05 ) . Albuterol may provide a competitive advantage for non-asthmatic athletes who might use it To investigate the impact of acute salbutamol intake on performance and selected hormonal and metabolic variables during supramaximal exercise , 13 recreational male athletes performed two 30-second Wingate tests after either placebo ( PLA , lactose ) or salbutamol ( SAL , 4 mg ) oral administration , according to a double-blind and r and omized protocol . Blood sample s collected at rest , end of the Wingate test , recovery ( 5 , 10 , 15 min ) were tested for growth hormone ( GH ) , insulin ( INS ) , blood glucose ( GLU ) , and lactate determination . We found the peak and mean power performed significantly increased after SAL vs. PLA ( PPSAL : 896 + /- 46 ; PPPLA : 819 + /- 57 W ; MPSAL : 585 + /- 27 ; MPPLA : 534 + /- 35 W , p < 0.05 ) , whereas no change was observed in the fatigue index . Blood glucose and INS were significantly increased by SAL at rest , at the end of the Wingate test , and during the 5 first minutes of recovery ( p < 0.05 ) . Plasma GH was significantly decreased by SAL ( p < 0.05 ) during the recovery whereas end-exercise and recovery blood lactate tended but were not significantly increased after SAL vs. PLA . From these data , acute salbutamol intake at therapeutical dosage did appear to improve peak power and mean power during a supramaximal exercise , but the mechanisms involved need further investigation Salbutamol is a widely used drug among elite athletes . We wanted to provide more information on the effects of salbutamol in nonasthmatic athletes . Seventeen highly conditioned male athletes ( VO2max > 70 ml.kg-1.min-1 ) participated in a r and omized , double-blind and placebo-controlled cross-over study . Nebulized salbutamol ( 0.05 mg/kg ) or placebo was inhaled prior to a high intensity ( 110 % of VO2max ) treadmill run to exhaustion . The measured variables included endurance time , oxygen uptake , ventilation , breathing rate , heart rate , and oxygen saturation . Lung function was measured as forced expiratory volume in the first second ( FEV1 ) before and after medication , and during the recovery from the run . The high intensity runs led to total exhaustion after 4 - 10 min . A close-to-significant shortening in endurance time was found when salbutamol was given . During the running ( 0 - 4 min ) the oxygen uptake was slightly lower and the heart rate was slightly higher when salbutamol was given . No differences were found in peak oxygen uptake , peak heart rate , ventilation , breathing rate or oxygen saturation . FEV1 reflected an increase in airway caliber after the inhalation of salbutamol . These changes were still present in the recovery from the test run with the exception of the measurement immediately after the exercise . Although evidence for beta-adrenergic stimulation was found , it was concluded that a therapeutic dose of nebulized salbutamol does not improve performance in highly trained athletes during a high-intensity run to exhaustion 1 . beta 2-Adrenoceptor agonists have been shown to increase rapidly lean body mass and reverse muscle wasting in several animal models of human illness . However , no published information is available for humans . In the present study , we investigated the effects of a slow-release preparation of salbutamol or a placebo on skeletal muscle functional capacity in 12 healthy men . The strength of different muscle groups was measured on two occasions before and after 14 and 21 days of treatment . 2 . No significant changes in muscle strength were observed with placebo during the trial . In contrast , the strength of both quadriceps muscles increased significantly ( 12 + /- 3 % ) after 14 days on salbutamol , and remained elevated at 21 days . Whereas the strength of the hamstring muscles of the dominant leg significantly increased after 21 days on salbutamol ( 22 + /- 6 % ) , the strength of the non-dominant hamstring muscles returned to baseline values . 3 . There was no significant change in the grip strength of either h and in these subjects during the trial . The maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure increased significantly ( 7 + /- 2 % ) after 14 days on salbutamol , and increased further after 21 days ( 15 + /- 4 % ) ; the expiratory mouth pressure remained constant . No significant changes in body weight , skinfold thickness , lean body mass or limb circumferences were measured in either group . 4 . These data demonstrate that short-term administration of salbutamol increases voluntary muscle strength in man . However , the magnitude and duration of this effect vary between muscle groups . This study implies that the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists may be of therapeutic potential in altering skeletal muscle function in humans This study aim ed to assess the prevalence of  asthma and atopy  in the Italian athletes who were trying for a position on the Italian Olympic team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games . Overall , 1060 athletes ( mean age 24 years , range 15 - 69 years , 729 males ) were recruited and divided into three groups of sport activities : 1 ) anaerobic , 2 ) aerobic-anaerobic , 3 ) aerobic .  Asthmatic and atopic athletes were identified by a self-administered , st and ardized question naire modified from the ISAAC question naire .  Spirometry  was performed in the athletes who reported wheezing or asthma and in an equal number of r and omly selected controls . Athletes reporting wheezing or asthma were 15 % . However , only a minority of asthmatics had moderate or severe disease : indeed , 2.5 % reported more than 4 attacks in the last year . The prevalence of atopy was 18 % . Asthma was more common in athletes engaged in aerobic sport activities than in the other groups . Asthmatic athletes had a significantly lower value of some spirometric parameters in comparison with the control group . In conclusion , the prevalence of wheezing or asthma in a large sample of Italian competitive athletes was found higher than in general population ; respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in athletes engaged in aerobic sport activities ; a significant impairment of lung function was found in athletes suffering from mild and rarely symptomatic asthma While resistance exercise ( REX ) reduces ankle extensor ( AE ) mass and strength deficits during short-term unloading ; additional treatments , concurrently administered with REX , are required to attenuate the greater losses seen with longer unloading periods . Subjects performed left leg REX , which otherwise refrained from ambulatory and weight-bearing activity for 40 days , while r and omized to a capsule ( placebo , albuterol ) dosing regimen with no crossover to note whether albuterol helps REX mitigate unloading-induced AE losses . A third group of subjects served as unloaded controls . On days 0 , 20 , and 40 , the following data were collected from the left leg : calf cross-sectional area and AE strength measures . Cross-sectional area was estimated using anthropometric methodology , whereas AE strength data were obtained from eight unilateral calf-press repetitions on an inertial-based REX device . Repeated- measures mixed-factorial 3 x 3 analyses of covariance , with day 0 values as a covariate , revealed group x time interactions for the strength variables eccentric total work ( ETW ) and average power ( EAP ) . Tukey 's honestly significant difference shows REX-placebo subjects incurred significant ETW and EAP losses by day 40 , whereas the REX-albuterol treatment evoked strength gains to those same variables without concurrent muscle accretion . Corresponding concentric variables did not display similar changes . Day 40 control data significantly declined for many variables ; relative to the REX-albuterol treatment , some losses were significant after 20 days . ETW and EAP gains to unloaded AE may be due to one or more mechanisms . Continued research identifying mechanisms responsible for such changes , as well as the safety of REX-albuterol administration in other models , is warranted Abstract The effect of salbutamol ( S ) on cycling performance was examined in 15 highly trained non-asthmatic male cyclists . A double-blind , r and omized cross-over design was used with S or placebo ( P ) administered using a metered-dose inhaler and a spacer device 20 min before each testing session . The S dose was 400 μg ( four puffs ) , which is twice the normal therapeutic level . Subjects were habituated to all the laboratory procedures in the week prior to actual data collection . The subjects performed four tests under S and P conditions on separate days over 2 weeks . These included measurement of maximal O2 uptake $ $ ( \dot VO_{2max } ) $ $ ( cycle ergometry ) with assessment of pulmonary function before and after , a submaximal ( 90 % of ventilatory threshold ) square-wave work transition from a base of unloaded cycling , a 60-s modified Wingate test , and a simulated 20 km time trial . No significant differences were observed in any of the dependent variables related to aerobic endurance or cycling performance between the S and P conditions . These results support other findings that an acute dose ( 400 μg ) of S has no performance-enhancing properties Asthmatic athletes ( adults and junior ) have competed successfully at the highest level for many years assisted by pre-event medication with beta 2-agonists . To examine the impact of beta 2-agonists upon submaximal running economy ( oxygen consumption at a given submaximal work load ) , we studied 10 nonasthmatic boys ( age , 10.4 + /- 0.48 years , mean + /- SD ) . They each completed submaximal ( speeds , 7.2 , 8.0 and 8.8 km/hr ) and peak treadmill running protocol s preceded by treatment with beta 2-agonist ( terbutaline , 500 micrograms via nebuhaler ) or placebo in a r and omized , crossover single-blind study . No significant differences were found between running economy and heart rate during the submaximal exercise tests or between peak oxygen consumption ( VO2 ) , peak respiratory exchange ratio , peak heart rate ( HR ) , or total running time during the peak VO2 test . Pretreatment with terbutaline did produce small but nonsignificant increases in aerobic fractional utilization ( percent peak VO2 on drug : 65.9 % , 72.6 % , and 76.7 % vs. placebo : 65.1 % , 70 % , and 75.5 % ) , at the three submaximal work loads . Respiratory exchange ratio ( RER ) values were elevated throughout the submaximal tests ( on drug : 0.94 , 0.93 , and 0.94 vs placebo : 0.91 , 0.92 , and 0.91 , P < 0.05 ) . No significant differences were found between drug and placebo for minute ventilation ( VE ) and ventilatory equivalent for oxygen ( VE/VO2 ) , at both submaximal and peak exercise intensities . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS Subjects performed 9 wk of isokinetic knee extensions twice weekly .  Albuterol ( N = 13 ) or placebo ( N = 9 ) was administered for 6 wk ; groups received 16 mg.d-1 of either treatment . Training consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions at 45 degrees.s-1 . Data were collected at weeks 0 , 6 , and 9 . Concentric and eccentric variables examined included : peak torque ( CPT , EPT ) , total work ( CTW , ETW ) , average power ( CAP , EAP ) , time to peak torque ( CTTPT , ETTPT ) , peak torque to body weight ratio ( CPT/BW ) , and work to body weight ratio ( CW/BW , EW/BW ) . Other variables included : thigh circumference ( CIRC ) , thigh cross-sectional area ( CSA ) , forced vital capacity ( FVC ) , and forced expiratory volume ( FEV1 ) , MANOVA and the Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc found differences within groups for CPT , CTW , CAP , CPR/BW , EPT , ETTPT , and CSA . Interactions were noted for CW/BW , ETW , EAP , EPT/BW , and ETW/BW ; with persons administered albuterol yielding superior values . CW/BW , ETW , and EAP showed interactions at post-testing , while EPT/BW and EW/BW interacted at both midtesting and post-testing . Results indicate therapeutic doses of albuterol administered with resistance exercise may augment strength gains Diaphragmatic fatigue may play an important role in precipitating acute respiratory failure . Pharmacologically , theophylline and beta-2 agonists have been used to improve diaphragmatic contractility . We design ed experiments to study the effects of albuterol , a beta-2 agonist , on diaphragmatic fatigue in humans . In 5 normal subjects , fatigue was induced by breathing through an inspiratory resistance . Studies were done at 2 levels of diaphragmatic tension-time index ( TTdi ) of 0.25 and 0.30 . At each TTdi , either placebo or albuterol ( 4 mg three times daily ) was taken for 3 days . All subjects experienced side effects of sympathetic stimulation .  Albuterol did not significantly increase the strength of the fresh diaphragm . With a TTdi of 0.25 , values for mean endurance time were 649 + /- 250 ( mean + /- SE ) and 552 + /- 161 s , respectively , in placebo and albuterol runs . Respective values for TTdi of 0.30 were 109 + /- 14 and 143 + /- 27 s. During recovery , the mean values for the time needed for maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure ( Pdimax ) to reach 90 % of the prefatigue Pdimax were 891 + /- 370 and 1043 + /- 394 s , respectively , for placebo and albuterol runs ( TTdi = 0.25 ) . Respective values for TTdi of 0.30 were 219 + /- 57 and 231 + /- 108 s. We conclude that , in humans , albuterol has no significant effect on the strength of the fresh or fatigued diaphragm , diaphragm endurance time , or the recovery of Pdimax from fatigue To assess the eventual effects of acute oral salbutamol intake on performance and metabolism during submaximal exercise , nine healthy volunteers completed two cycling trials at a power corresponding to 80 - 85 % VO2max , after either placebo ( Pla ) or salbutamol ( Sal , 6 mg ) treatment , according to a double-blind r and omized protocol . Blood sample s were collected both at rest and during exercise ( 5 min- , 10 min- , 15 min-exhaustion ) for C-peptide , FFA , lactate and blood glucose measurements . Cycling performance was significantly improved in the Sal vs. Pla trials ( p < 0.05 ) . After Sal intake , resting C-peptide , lactate , FFA and blood glucose values were higher whereas exercise lactate and free fatty acid concentrations were greater during and at the conclusion of the exercise period ( p < 0.05 ) . These results suggest that acute salbutamol ingestion improved performance during submaximal exercise probably through an enhancement of the overall contribution to energy production from both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms Hind-limb – suspended rats incur attenuated bone loss with b2-agonists , and humans note similar changes with concurrent resistance exercise . To examine if the b2-agonist albuterol helps resistance exercise reduce unloading-induced bone loss , human subjects performed 40 days of unilateral limb suspension with their left legs , otherwise refraining from normal ambulatory activity . While performing left leg strength training 3 days·week−1 , subjects received a concurrent placebo or albuterol ( 16 mg·day−1 ) treatment . Left leg muscle and bone changes were analyzed with 2 × 2 analyses of covariance ( ANCOVAs ) . Mechanical loading values were calculated from workouts and compared using a 2 × 5 analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) and a Tukey post hoc test . The resistance exercise – albuterol assignment evoked significant ( p < 0.05 ) left leg bone mineral content ( BMC ) gains ( 12.24 % ) after 40 days . During the final unloading days , the resistance exercise – placebo group 's mechanical loading data declined ( 213.91 % ) significantly ( p < 0.05 ) versus initial values . A resistance exercise – albuterol assignment likely increased BMC by maintaining the mechanical loading stimulus Objective : To test the hypothesis that chronic salbutamol intake improves performance during supramaximal exercise and to estimate the effects of this treatment on body composition , bone mass , and metabolic indices in healthy women . Methods : Fourteen female volunteers ( seven sedentary and seven recreationally trained ) performed a 30 second Wingate test with and without salbutamol ingestion  ( 12 mg/day for four weeks ) in a r and om , double blind , crossover design . Blood sample s were collected at rest , at the end of the test , and during passive recovery for lactate measurement . Body composition and bone mass were determined by dual energy x ray absorptiometry . Results : Peak power appeared significantly earlier and was significantly ( p<0.05 ) increased after salbutamol intake in all subjects . There was no difference in total work performed and fatigue indices with salbutamol compared with placebo . No significant alterations in lean or fat body mass and bone variables were observed with salbutamol treatment in either trained or untrained subjects during the trial . In contrast , blood lactate was significantly ( p<0.05 ) increased during the recovery period after salbutamol ingestion compared with placebo . Conclusion : As in men , chronic administration of therapeutic concentrations of salbutamol did not induce an anabolic effect in women but increased maximal anaerobic power . Further studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved Inhaled beta2-agonists have been subject to restrictions in relationship to sports due to fear of possible improvement in endurance performance . According to the international doping regulations only inhaled salbutamol , terbutaline and salmeterol are allowed for use in sports . Formoterol is a recently introduced rapid onset-long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist . The main aim of the present r and omized , double-blind placebo-controlled study was to investigate possible improvement in endurance performance of inhaled formoterol in 24 healthy well-trained competitive male athletes , 21 - 29 years old .  Lung function ( flow-volume loops ) was measured before , 15 min after each inhaled study drug and before and repeatedly after exercise . On day 1 , maximum oxygen uptake ( VO2max ) , peak ventilation ( VEpeak ) and running time till exhaustion were measured and used to determine the exercise load on days 2 and 3 . On days 2 and 3 the subjects inhaled the study drugs , rested for 1 h , then exercised , and VO2max , VEpeak and running time until exhaustion were determined . Inhaled formoterol did not improve any parameter of endurance performance . On the other h and a statistically significant , although not clinical ly significant ( 0.05 ml(-1 ) min kg(-1 ) ) , change was found in estimated difference of VO2max between formoterol and placebo in favour of placebo . Lung function increased significantly after inhaled formoterol , and after exercise also for placebo , but without differences between the beta2-agonist and placebo after exercise . In conclusion , inhaled formoterol did not improve endurance performance compared to placebo Objective : To study the effects of an acute therapeutic oral intake of β2 agonist on performance and substrate response during supramaximal exercise in women . Methods : 12 healthy moderately trained female volunteers performed a Wingate test after ingestion of placebo ( Pla ) and salbutamol  ( Sal ; 4 mg ) according to a double-blind r and omised crossover study . Blood sample s were collected at rest , at the end of exercise and after 5 ( r5 ) , 10 ( r10 ) and 15 ( r15 ) min of passive recovery for adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH ) , growth hormone ( GH ) , insulin , blood glucose and lactate measurements . Results : Peak power ( PP ) and mean power ( MP ) significantly increased whereas time to peak power was significantly shorter with Sal than with Pla ( p<0.05 ) . No change was observed in the fatigue index . ACTH was not significantly modified but r15 growth hormone significantly decreased ( p<0.05 ) after the intake of Sal . Both blood INS and blood glucose were significantly increased by the intake of Sal during all the experiments ( p<0.01 ) . Blood lactate was significantly increased by the intake of Sal compared with that of Pla ( p<0.05 ) after 10 and 15 min of passive recovery . Conclusion : From these data , acute therapeutic oral intake of Sal seems to induce , irrespective of the subjects ’ gender , an improvement in performance during a supramaximal exercise — that is , increase in PP and MP . Further studies are necessary to clarify whether the mechanisms involved in the response to intake of Sal are linked to central and /or peripheral pathways The prevalence of asthma was studied in a ice hockey team compared with both a floor ball team and the Swiss population .  Lung function , bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine  , asthma symptoms and exercise-induced asthma were measured in a cross-sectional prospect i ve study . A positive response to the methacholine bronchial provocation test was found in 34.6 % of the ice hockey players and 20.8 % of the floor ball players ( Swiss population 16.4 % ) . The provocative dose causing a 20 % fall in the forced expiratory volume in one second ( PD20 ) was significantly lower in ice hockey players than in floor ball players , but there was no significant difference in the dose-response slopes between the two groups . Asthma was diagnosed in 19.2 % of the ice hockey players and in 4.2 % of the floor ball players ( Swiss population 6.8 % ) , whereas exercise-induced asthma was found in 11.5 % of the ice hockey players and in 4.2 % of the floor ball players . In conclusion , asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness seemed to be more common in ice hockey players than in floor ball players and in the Swiss population . Strenuous exercise at lower temperatures may be a risk factor for the higher prevalence of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness , as well as the increased severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness , particularly in ice hockey players PURPOSE To determine the effect of formoterol ( formoterol fumarate dihydrate ) on the aerobic and anaerobic capacities of highly trained athletes . METHODS 10 male athletes ( age = 26.2 + /- 0.9 , VO(2max ) = 65.6 + /- 2.4 mL x kg(-1 ) x min(-1 ) ) with minimal bronchial reactivity to aerosols ( i.e. , negative methacholine challenge test ) completed three identical exercise sessions differing only by the medication administered . Formoterol ( F ) a long-acting beta(2)-agonist , presently not approved for international competition by the I.O.C. Medical committee , was compared with salbutamol ( S ) , an accepted bronchodilator , and a placebo ( P ) . Formoterol ( 12 microg ) , salbutamol ( 400 microg ) , or placebo was administered by a Turbuhaler , 10 min before exercise testing in a double-blind , r and omized , three-way crossover design . Testing sessions included a Wingate anaerobic test followed 15 min later by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion . RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in VO(2max ) ( F = 66.5 + /- 2.7 ; S = 67.8 + /- 2.5 ; P = 67.5 + /- 2.1 mL x kg(-1 ) x min(-1 ) ) or Wingate peak power ( F = 885 + /- 40 ; S = 877 + /- 40 ; P = 885 + /- 44 W ) values . During the maximal aerobic test , no differences were observed in maximum minute ventilation , respiratory exchange ratio , heart rate , or work between the three experimental conditions . Also , there were no differences in the Wingate anaerobic test variables , total work , or fatigue index . CONCLUSION Formoterol , administered in one aerosolized therapeutic dose , does not have an ergogenic effect in elite athletes without asthma Objective To assess the effects of 50 μg of inhaled salmeterol on pulmonary function , selected physical capacities , and fine motor control in 16 nonasthmatic male cyclists and triathletes , mean age of 23.2 ( SD = 3.5 ) years . Design R and omized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial . Setting Human Physical Performance Laboratory , the University of Western Australia . SubjectsSixteen healthy male high-performance nonasthmatic athletes with a mean age of 23.2 years participated in the study . InterventionS ubjects attended three experimental testing sessions at which salmeterol ( 50 μg ) , a placebo , or “ no treatment ” was administered in r and om order in a double-blind fashion , on separate occasions , prior to exercise . Main outcome measures During each testing , session lung function was measured before and 10 min after the treatment . Tests of reaction time and h and steadiness and then two anaerobic cycle tests followed . The first , a 10-s all-out sprint was followed , after a 3-min rest , by a 30-s all-out sprint performed on a front access bicycle ergometer . After 10 min recovery , leg flexion-extension peak torque was measured on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 120 and 180 ° s−1 . Main results Lung function variables , reaction time , movement time , alactic anaerobic power , lactacid anaerobic power , and leg-flexion and leg-extension muscular strength were similar among the three treatment groups . Conclusions The preexercise administration of 50 μg of inhaled salmeterol has no performance-enhancing effects in nonasthmatic athletes . We believe that athletes with asthma should be permitted to use salmeterol before competition This study was design ed to examine the effects of acute inhalation of the bronchodilator , albuterol ( Proventil , Schering Corp. ) , on high intensity power output . Fifteen healthy nonasthmatic subjects ( eight male , seven female , 18 - 33 yr ) performed four supramaximal 15-s rides on a bicycle ergometer .  Rides were arranged in pairs with a 10-min rest interval . Each pair of rides was preceded by a 5-min warm-up . Sessions were separated by a minimum of 48 h. The study design was fully r and omized and double blind . Ten minutes prior to each pair of rides subjects inhaled two metered doses ( 180 micrograms ) of albuterol ( A ) or a placebo ( P ) . Individual ANOVAs revealed a significant difference between the A and P treatment for peak power ( A = 886.6 W , P = 858.3 W ) and fatigue ( A = 27.2 % , P = 24.4 % ) . Mean changes in FEF25 - 75 % ( A = 0.712 , P = 0.040 l.s-1 ) , FEV1.0 ( A = 0.188 , P = 0.007 l ) , and PEF ( A = 0.573 , P = -0.155 l.s-1 ) were also statistically significant ; however , these changes did not correlate to the anaerobic performance changes . No significant differences were found between treatments for heart rate increases result ing from the power test ( A = 56.73 bpm , P = 53.20 bpm ) . These results indicate an ergogenic effect of the bronchodilator on short-term power output independent of impact on respiratory smooth muscle , with no effect on cardiac response We evaluated the acute prophylactic efficacy of albuterol aerosol in protecting nonasthmatic athletes from the untoward effects of 0.21 ppm ozone ( O3 ) on symptoms , pulmonary function , exercise performance , and post-exposure histamine bronchoprovocation . Fifteen trained competitive cyclists participated in a r and omized crossover study consisting of double-blinded inhalations of albuterol ( 180 micrograms ) and placebo approximately 30 min prior to heavy continuous exercise ( minute ventilation , [ VE ] greater than or equal to 80 L/min ) for 60 min , followed by a maximal sprint ( peak VE greater than 140 L/min ) until exhaustion . Each subject was exposed r and omly to either 0.21 ppm O3 or filtered air ( FA ) during the four single-blinded exposure sessions . Albuterol pretreatment result ed in modest but significant bronchodilation as compared to placebo . However , albuterol did not prevent O3-induced respiratory symptoms , decrements in forced vital capacity ( FVC ) , forced expired volume in one second ( FEV1.0 ) , and maximum midexpiratory flow rate ( FEF25 - 75 % ) , and positive histamine challenges as compared to that with placebo/O3 . There were no statistically significant differences in the metabolic data or ride times across all drugs and exposures , although the peak VE was significantly lower with O3 than FA ( 142.3 vs. 150.7 L/min , respectively ) regardless of drug . The results indicate that acute pretreatment with inhaled albuterol is unable to prevent or ameliorate O3-induced symptoms and alterations in pulmonary function and exercise performance . The contribution of beta-adrenergic mechanisms in the acute airway responses to O3 appears to be minimal The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the beta 2-agonist albuterol ( salbutamol ) at twice the normal dosage ( 360 micrograms ) on power output during a 30-second Wingate test and pulmonary function in highly trained cyclists ( 4 category 1 and 10 category II U.S.C.F. track cyclists ) . The cyclists did not have a history of exercise induced bronchial spasms , and a 5 step methacholine challenge confirmed all subjects to be non-asthmatic . The project was performed in a r and om block , double blind design . Twenty minutes before the 30-second Wingate cycle ergometer exercise , albuterol ( 90 micrograms per dose ) or a saline placebo was administered by inhaler in 4 metered doses . Pulmonary function tests were performed at rest , 20 minutes post-inhalation , and 5 , 10 , 15 minutes post-exercise . After a st and ard warm-up , a 30-second Wingate anaerobic power test was performed on a cycle ergometer at a resistance of 0.10 kg ( kg body mass)-1 . Multi-variate ANOVA revealed no significant difference between the albuterol and placebo treatment for the anaerobic power measures : peak power ( 1,136.7 + /- 40.9 vs 1,124.8 + /- 39.8 W , mean + /- s.e . ) , total work ( 27,213.6 + /- 653.1 vs 27,093.3 + /- 677.4j ) , time to peak power ( 4.5 + /- 0.2 vs 4.8 + /- 0.5 s ) , and fatigue index ( 16.5 + /- 1.8 vs 16.6 + /- 1.8 W.s-1 ) . Peak heart rate ( 181.6 + /- 3.7 vs 181.4 + /- 3.8 bpm ) , or blood lactate ( 14.0 + /- 0.9 vs 13.8 + /- 0.8 mmol.l-1 ) 3 min after the exercise bout were not significantly different between treatments . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS The possibility that respiratory muscle function may be improved by drug therapy is of clinical importance , but remains controversial . A series of studies concerning the effects of maximally tolerated dosages of terbutaline , tulobuterol ( a new beta 2-agonist ) and caffeine on respiratory muscle strength and limb muscle strength and endurance were undertaken in normal subjects . Drugs were administered orally , 2 h before study . Caffeine produced a small but statistically significant increase in the stimulated contraction force at 20 Hz , and a small beneficial effect on recovery from a fatiguing protocol ; maximum voluntary contraction force of the quadriceps was increased by 3.8 % . Terbutaline and tulobuterol had no beneficial effects on either respiratory or limb muscle function . We conclude that conventional dosages of these bronchodilator drugs do not greatly affect skeletal muscle performance 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 salbutamol enhances endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes . METHODS A prospect i ve double blind , r and omised , three way crossover design was used to study the effects 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 psychomotor performance were evaluated . RESULTS Neither endurance time nor post-exercise bronchodilation were significantly different between the treatments . Metabolic parameters were affected by exercise but not by treatment . CONCLUSIONS Inhaled salbutamol , even in a high dose , did not have a significant effect on endurance performance in non-asthmatic athletes , although the bronchodilating effect of the drug at the beginning of exercise may have improved respiratory adaptation . Our results do not preclude an ergogenic effect of β2 agonists given by other routes or for a longer period Beta2-agonists are frequently used by elite cross-country skiers , a group of athletes with a high prevalence of asthma . It has been cl aim ed that beta2-agonists have a positive effect on physical performance . The aim of the present study was to investigate whether inhalation of a beta2-agonist increases physical performance at low temperature in healthy , nonasthmatic athletes with normal bronchial responsiveness . Twenty elite male athletes ( cyclists , cross-country skiers , middle and long distance runners ) with no history of allergy or airway disease and who had normal spirometry and methacholine bronchial provocation tests performed a maximal exercise test on a treadmill in a climate chamber at approximately 10 degrees C on two subsequent days . Before exercise they inhaled terbutaline ( 3 mg from MDI ) or placebo in a r and omized , single blind manner . After 10-min warm-up on the treadmill , a submaximal work preceded a stepwise increase of the workload until exhaustion . Lung function , ventilation , oxygen uptake , and heart rate were determined and blood sample s for lactate and potassium analyses were drawn before , during , and after exercise . Terbutaline induced a significant bronchodilatation ; FEV1 increased from 4.8 ( 4.4 - 5.1 ) L to 5.0 ( 4.6 - 5.4 ) L , mean ( 95 % CI ) . There were no significant differences between the two treatments with regard to exercise time , 25.1 ( 24.3 - 25.8 ) min vs 24.9 ( 24.1 - 25.6 ) min , oxygen uptake and ventilation during exercise , or heart rate at maximal workload . Terbutaline induced an increase in serum lactate concentration but did not influence the lactate response to exercise . The serum potassium increase was attenuated at low workload but not at maximal work . The postexercise decrease in serum potassium concentration was significantly greater after terbutaline ( -0.52 ( -0.29 to -0.76 ) mmol x L-1 ) than after placebo ( -0.13 ( 0.06 to -0.32 ) mmol x L-1 ( P < 0.001 ) . We conclude that inhalation of a beta2-agonist ( terbutaline ) in a dose that yields significant bronchodilatation does not influence physical performance at low temperature in healthy athletes . Acute inhalation of the beta2-agonist amplified the postexercise hypokalemia , a finding of unclear significance . Although there is a slight bronchodilatation and potential negative airways effect of cold air inhalation , a beta2-agonist does not increase physical performance in top athletes Objectives : To determine the effect of prophylactic treatment with an inhaled bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory on arterial saturation ( Sao2 ) in trained non-asthmatic male athletes with exercise induced arterial hypoxaemia ( EIAH ) . Methods : Nine male athletes ( mean ( SD ) age 26.3 ( 6.7 ) years , height 182.6 ( 7.9 ) cm , weight 79.3 ( 10.5 ) kg , Vo2max 62.3 ( 6.3 ) ml/kg/min , Sao2min 92.5 (1.1)% ) with no history of asthma were tested in two experimental conditions . A combination of a therapeutic dose of salbutamol and fluticasone or an inert placebo was administered in a r and omised crossover design for seven days before maximal cycling exercise . Oxygen consumption ( Vo2 ) , ventilation ( Ve ) , heart rate ( HR ) , power output , and Sao2 were monitored during the exercise tests . Results : There were no significant differences between the drug ( D ) and placebo ( P ) conditions for minimal Sao2 ( D = 93.6 ( 1.4 ) , P = 93.0 (1.1)% ; p = 0.93 ) Vo2max ( D = 61.5 ( 7.2 ) , P = 61.9 ( 6.3 ) ml/kg/min ; p = 0.91 ) , peak power ( D = 444.4 ( 48.3 ) , P = 449.4 ( 43.9 ) W ; p = 0.90 ) , peak Ve ( D = 147.8 ( 19.1 ) , P = 149.2 ( 15.5 ) litres/min ; p = 0.82 ) , or peak heart rate ( D = 182.3 ( 10.0 ) , P = 180.8 ( 5.5 ) beats/min ; p = 0.76 ) . Conclusions : A therapeutic dose of salbutamol and fluticasone did not attenuate EIAH during maximal cycling in a group of trained male non-asthmatic athletes BACKGROUND Salmeterol xinafoate is a new aerosol inhalant that is used in the treatment of asthma . It is currently banned by the International Olympic Committee because of the concern that it may lend an unfair competitive advantage to the user . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether salmeterol improves short-term anaerobic performance in elite nonasthmatic track cyclists . METHODS Eleven elite track cyclists volunteered to perform a 30-second all-out cycle ergometer test 3 hours after receiving either 42 micrograms of salmeterol xinafoate or placebo applied in a double-blind crossover procedure . During the ergometer test , peak power output , total work , time to peak power , and percent fatigue ( decline in power output ) were measured . Pulmonary measurements were also taken before and at various time points after inhalation and the ergometer test . A methacholine challenge was administered to each subject before participation in the study to ensure that none of the subjects had any reactive airway diseases . RESULTS There were no significant differences ( p > 0.05 ) between the placebo and salmeterol trials for peak power output , total work performed during the 30-second test , percent fatigue , and time to peak power . No differences between trials were observed for the pulmonary function test variables at any of the time points . Blood lactate concentrations before and after administration of drug or placebo were also not significantly different between trials . Additionally , salmeterol did not affect the maximal heart rate achieved during the test as compared with the placebo . CONCLUSIONS Short-term salmeterol use within the prescribed dosage was not shown to increase short-term power output in nonasthmatic cyclists The aim of this double-blind , placebo-controlled , cross-over study was to investigate possible improvement in physical performance at an ambient temperature of -15 degrees C by an inhaled dose of 50 micrograms salmeterol in 8 highly trained nonasthmatic cross-country skiers .  FEV1 was measured before , during and after the treadmill exercise protocol , which consisted of a warm-up run , runs of 10 min at 90 % and 5 min at 80 % VO2max , followed by a timed run to exhaustion . Despite a significant improvement in FEV1 , salmeterol did not have a beneficial effect on heart rate , blood lactate concentration , respiratory exchange ratio , oxygen uptake or minute ventilation during the exercise protocol . Running time to exhaustion was not significantly different from placebo . This lack of enhancement of exercise performance in healthy endurance athletes further supports the recent approval of salmeterol for prophylactic use by asthmatic athletes during training and competition INTRODUCTION Oral beta2-agonist administration improves muscle function in persons without asthma . We performed a double-blind , r and omized , controlled crossover study to assess whether acute inhaled salbutamol administration improves muscle strength and fatigability in healthy moderately trained subjects . METHODS Quadriceps muscle strength was measured during maximal voluntary contraction ( MVC ) and femoral nerve magnetic stimulation ( potentiated single twitch , TwQpeak ) before and after ( i ) a maximal incremental cycling test ( n = 10 ) and ( ii ) 50 maximal isometric one-leg extensions ( n = 9 ) . Each exercise test was performed on three occasions , after salbutamol ( 200 and 800 microg ) or placebo inhalation . RESULTS Before exercise , treatments had no significant effect on MVC [ ( placebo ) 597 + /- 146 N vs ( 200 microg ) 629 + /- 151 N vs ( 800 microg ) 610 + /- 148 N ] and TwQpeak [ ( placebo ) 215 + /- 83 N vs ( 200 microg ) 227 + /- 69 N vs ( 800 microg ) 250 + /- 84 N ] . Maximal power during cycling and maximal force during leg extensions did not differ between treatments . Treatments had no effect on MVC and TwQpeak reductions at 30 min [ MVC : ( placebo ) -8 + /- 9 % vs ( 200 microg ) -9 + /- 7 % vs ( 800 microg ) -8 + /- 5 % ; TwQpeak : ( placebo ) -29 + /- 13 % vs ( 200 microg ) -23 + /- 15 % vs ( 800 microg ) -20 + /- 8 % ] and 60 min [ MVC : ( placebo ) -12 + /- 17 % vs ( 200 microg ) -6 + /- 9 % vs ( 800 microg ) -8 + /- 8 % ; TwQpeak : ( placebo ) -20 + /- 21 % vs ( 200 microg ) -19 + /- 23 % vs ( 800 microg ) -8 + /- 7 % ] after cycling . Similarly , reductions in MVC and TwQpeak were not significantly different between treatments at 30 [ MVC : ( placebo ) -11 + /- 9 % vs ( 200 microg ) -12 + /- 7 % vs ( 800 microg ) -8+/- 16 % ; TwQpeak : ( placebo ) -37 + /- 12 % vs ( 200 microg ) -33 + /- 20 % vs ( 800 microg ) -32 + /- 16 % ] and 60 min [ MVC : ( placebo ) -10 + /- 11 % vs ( 200microg ) -11 + /- 6 % vs ( 800 microg ) -8 + /- 20 % ; TwQpeak : ( placebo ) -30 + /- 11 % vs ( 200 microg ) -28 + /- 24 % vs ( 800 microg ) -27 + /- 15 % ] after leg extensions . Treatments did not modify maximal voluntary activation at any time of the protocol . CONCLUSION Acute therapeutic or supratherapeutic doses of inhaled salbutamol have no effect on quadriceps strength , fatigue , and recovery in men without asthma The effects of whole-body exposure to ambient temperatures of -15 degrees C and 23 degrees C on selected performance-related physiological variables were investigated in elite nonasthmatic cross-country skiers . At an ambient temperature of -15 degrees C we also studied the effects of the selective beta2-adrenergic agonist Salbutamol ( 0.4 mg x 3 ) which was administered 10 min before the exercise test . Eight male cross-country skiers with known maximal oxygen uptakes ( VO2max ) of more than 70 ml x kg(-1 ) x min(-1 ) participated in the study . Oxygen uptake ( VO2 ) , heart rate ( fc ) , blood lactate concentration ( [La-]b ) and time to exhaustion were measured during controlled submaximal and maximal running on a treadmill in a climatic chamber . Lung function measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV1 ) was recorded immediately before the warm-up period and at the conclusion of the exercise protocol . Submaximal VO2 and [La-]b at the two highest submaximal exercise intensities were significantly higher at -15 degrees C than at 23 degrees C. Time to exhaustion was significantly shorter in the cold environment . However , no differences in VO2max or fc were observed . Our results would suggest that exercise stress is higher at submaximal exercise intensities in a cold environment and support the contention that aerobic capacity is not altered by cold exposure . Furthermore , we found that after Salbutamol inhalation FEV1 was significantly higher than after placebo administration . However , the inhaled beta2-agonist Salbutamol did not influence submaximal and maximal VO2 , fc , [La-]b or time to exhaustion in the elite , nonasthmatic cross-country skiers we studied . Thus , these results did not demonstrate any ergogenic effect of the beta2-agonist used INTRODUCTION In-flight ankle extensor ( AEXT ) strength losses are an impediment to long-term space travel . The current study examines if albuterol helps resistance exercise ( RE ) abate AEXT strength loss incurred over a 40-d unloading period . METHODS All subjects ( 21 men , M ; 15 women , W ) performed unilateral limb suspension ( ULLS ) and exercised on a flywheel ergometer ( FERG ) with their otherwise unloaded AEXT . With a double-blind r and omization assignment , subjects either received placebo ( PLA , lactose ) or albuterol ( ALB , 16 mg x d(-1 ) ) via four daily capsule doses with no crossover . FERG calf press workouts done 3 d x wk(-1 ) provided concentric and eccentric total work ( CTW , ETW ) and average power ( CAP , EAP ) measures . Workout data from the 40-d period were averaged and partitioned into four consecutive 10-d periods . Data were compared with a 2 ( gender ) x 2 ( treatment ) x 4 ( time ) MANCOVA , with day 0 AEXT strength measurements and a drug/body mass ratio as covariates . RESULTS CTW and ETW days 11 - 20 , 21 - 30 , and 31 - 40 , as well as CAP and EAP days 11 - 20 and 21 - 30 showed the following significant results : ALB-W > ALB-M , PLA-M > PLA-W. CAP and EAP days 31 - 40 showed the following significant results : ALB-W , ALB-M , PLA-M > PLA-W. DISCUSSION The combined RE-albuterol treatment most likely evoked unloaded AEXT strength gains in women due to heightened myofibril sensitivity for Ca+2 . Despite a drug/body mass covariate , gender-related differences should be interpreted with caution . Future work should compare absolute and relative beta2 agonist dosages on gender-related muscle mass and strength changes INTRODUCTION While resistance exercise ( REX ) attenuates knee extensor ( KE ) mass and strength deficits during short-term unloading , additional treatments concurrently administered with REX are required to reduce the greater losses seen with longer periods of unloading . METHODS To determine whether albuterol helps REX attenuate unloading-induced KE losses , two groups of subjects strength trained their left thigh three times per week , and otherwise refrained from ambulatory and weight-bearing activity for 40 d while receiving a capsule dosing treatment ( albuterol , placebo ) with no crossover . A third group served as unloaded controls ( CTRL ) . On days 0 , 20 , and 40 , the following data were collected from the nonweight-bearing ( left ) thigh : cross-sectional area ( CSA ) ; integrated electromyography ( IEMG ) ; and concentric and eccentric KE strength measures . Thigh CSA was estimated using anthropometric methodology . IEMG was used to provide root mean square ( RMS ) values from submaximal ( 100 nm ) and maximal isometric contractions . Concentric and eccentric strength were measured from eight-repetition unilateral leg press sets . RESULTS Repeated- measures mixed-factorial 3 x 3 ANCOVAs with day 0 values as a covariate showed group by time interactions for concentric and eccentric total work ( CTW , ETW ) . Tukey 's post hoc test showed REX-albuterol evoked significant ( p < 0.05 ) day 40 CTW and ETW gains vs. within-group day 0 and within-time REX-placebo and CTRL values . By days 20 and 40 , CTRL subjects incurred significant decrements . CONCLUSIONS Albuterol augmented the effects of REX to increase CTW and ETW . Research identifying possible mechanisms responsible for such changes , as well as the safety of REX-albuterol administration in other models , is warranted We studied the effects of a single dose of fenoterol on the relationship between inspiratory effort sensation ( IES ) and inspiratory muscle fatigue induced by inspiratory threshold loading in healthy subjects . The magnitude of the threshold was 60 % of maximal static inspiratory mouth pressure ( PI , mmax ) at functional residual capacity , and the duty cycle was 0.5 . Subjects continued the threshold loaded breathing until the target mouth pressure could no longer be maintained ( endurance time ) . The intensity of the IES was scored with a modified Borg scale . Either fenoterol ( 5 mg ) or a placebo was given orally 2 h before loading in a r and omized double-blind crossover protocol . The endurance time with fenoterol ( 34.4 + /- 8.6 min ) was longer than that with the placebo ( 22.2 + /- 7.1 min ; P < 0.05 ) . The ratio of high- to low-frequency power of the diaphragmatic electromyogram ( EMGdi ) decreased during loading ; the decrease was less with fenoterol ( P < 0.05 ) . The EMGdi also decreased with loading ; the decrease was greater on fenoterol treatment ( P < 0.01 ) . The PI , mmax and maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure ( Pdi ) were similarly decreased after loading on either treatment . The intensity of the IES rose with time during loading in both groups but was lower with fenoterol than with the placebo ( P < 0.05 ) . The ratio of Pdi to integrated activity of the EMGdi increased with fenoterol ( P < 0.05 ) . Fenoterol treatment increased both superimposed Pdi twitch and Pdi twitch of relaxed diaphragm and decreased the value of ( 1-superimposed Pdi twitch/Pdi twitch of relaxed diaphragm ) . Thus we conclude that in normal subjects fenoterol reduces diaphragmatic fatigue and decreases the motor comm and to the diaphragm , result ing in a decrease in IES during inspiratory threshold loading and a prolongation of endurance The effect of salbutamol on performance was studied in seven male nonasthmatic highly trained ( VO2max > or = 60 ml.kg-1 x min-1 ) cyclists .  Salbutamol ( S = 2 puffs = 200 micrograms ) or placebo ( P ) was administered by metered-dose inhaler , through a spacer device , 20 min prior to testing in a double-blind , r and omized cross-over design . Testing sessions on a cycle ergometer included the measurement of maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2max ) , peak power , maximal heart rate , and pulmonary function . A timed sprint to exhaustion was performed after 45 min of exercise at 70 % of VO2max , and a Wingate anaerobic test was used to measure total work and peak power . There was a nonsignificant decrease in VO2max ( P = 63.5 + /- 3.2 ; S = 62.6 + /- 3.3 ml.kg-1 x min-1 ) . No difference was found in peak power , maximum heart rate , endurance sprint time , Wingate peak power , or total work . After an anticipated baseline increase was taken into account , the pattern of change in FEV1 over time did not differ between salbutamol and placebo . It was concluded that a therapeutic dose of aerosol salbutamol does not have an ergogenic effect in elite nonasthmatic athletes , and it is therefore recommended that inhaled salbutamol continue to be permitted in international competition for individuals with exercise induced bronchospasm The use of inhaled beta2-agonists is restricted in sports . No benefit of inhaled formoterol upon performance was found in healthy athletes under normal climatic conditions , but it has not been investigated whether formoterol improves performance in athletes during exposure to cold . To investigate the effect of inhaled formoterol vs placebo upon performance and lung function at -20 degrees C in 20 healthy male athletes . We used a r and omized double-blind , placebo-controlled , cross-over design . The subjects performed a run until exhaustion after inhaled study drug . The speed was 95 % of the predetermined maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2 max ) the first minute and increased to 107 % of VO2 max for the remaining part of the test . Time until exhaustion , ventilation ( VE ) , VO2 , respiratory rate ( RR ) , tidal volume ( VT ) , heart rate ( HR ) and arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation ( SPO2 ) were recorded during exercise . Lung function was measured before inhaling , after inhaling the study drug and after the treadmill run . Inhaled formoterol did not improve endurance performance in cold environments compared with placebo , although formoterol significantly improved lung function ( FEV1 , FEF50 and PEF ) and HR 4 min after the start of the exercise . Inhaled formoterol did not improve endurance performance in healthy , well-trained athletes exposed to cold
Inhaled β₂-agonists are commonly used as bronchodilators in the treatment of asthma .
Their use in athletes , however , is restricted by anti-doping regulations .
Controversies remain as to whether healthy elite athletes who use bronchodilators may gain a competitive advantage .
The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis is to assess the effects of inhaled and systemic β₂-agonists on physical performance in healthy , non-asthmatic subjects .