The effect of salbutamol on performance in elite non-asthmatic athletes

The effect of salbutamol on performance was studied in 7 male nonasthmatic elite (VO$\sb{\rm 2max} \geq$ 60 ml/kg/min) athletes.

There was a non-significant decrease in VO$\sb{\rm 2max}$ from a mean of 63.5 ml/kg/min ($\pm$3.2) for the placebo (P) trial, to a mean of 62.6 ($\pm$3.3) with salbutamol (S). No difference was found in peak power (P = 438 Watts $\pm$26.3, S = 438 $\pm$27.9) or maximum heart rate (P = 191 beats/min $\pm$5.4, S = 191 $\pm$6.0). The performance related variables of endurance sprint time (P = 104 seconds $\pm$22.8, S = 97 $\pm$31.4), and Wingate peak power (P = 10.12 Watts/kg $\pm$0.57, S = 9.97 $\pm$0.60) showed a non-significant decrease, while the total work performed on the Wingate test (P = 19.30 kJ $\pm$2.09, S = 19.61 $\pm$1.54) displayed a non-significant increase. The data failed to show significance despite using statistical analysis with a level of significance of p $<$ 0.20 to maximize the power of the tests.</p>

There was a statistically significant (p $<$ 0.05) increase in post medication (pre-exercise) forced expiratory volume (FEV$\sb1$) of 4.5% with salbutamol.

It was concluded that a therapeutic dose of aerosol salbutamol does not have an ergogenic effect in elite non-asthmatic athletes and it is therefore recommended that inhaled salbutamol continue to be permitted in international competition for individuals with exercise induced asthma. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)