Abstract

This study examined the effects of inhalation of salbutamol and a placebo on anaerobic power and strength performance in nonasthmatic athletes. The treatments were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner. Seventeen male participants in power events, ages 17-31 years, with no history of asthma were subjects in the study. The variables measured were a 10-s all-out sprint on a front-access bicycle ergometer to indicate alactic ability, with the work recorded in J/kg and peak power in W/kg, and peak torques during leg flexion and leg extension on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at 120, 180, and 240 degrees per second. In addition, lung function tests were performed premedication, postmedication/preexercise, 5 min after cycling, and 5 min after testing of peak torques. The results indicated that there were no significant differences after treatment with salbutamol and placebo for any of the power or strength tests. All lung function scores, except peak expiratory flow rate, improved after inhalation of salbutamol. We concluded that there were no ergogenic benefits attributable to salbutamol for those participating in power events. Salbutamol should remain a legitimate drug for the treatment of power athletes with asthma participating in international sporting events. Verf.-Referat