Dickinson, J. W., Chester, N., Hu, J., Drust, B., Loosemoore, M., & Whyte, G. (2013). Play on: The impact of inhaled salbutamol on soccer performance in males and females. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2391.

This study investigated the ergogenic effect of inhaling 800 and 1600 micrograms of salbutamol versus placebo in male (N = 7) and female (N = 6) soccer players. On three separate occasions, Ss were required to complete a 52-minute soccer-specific running protocol followed by twelve 17.5 m sprints. Fifteen minutes prior to the initiation of each run, Ss inhaled one of the following treatments: placebo, 800 micrograms inhaled salbutamol, or 1600 micrograms inhaled salbutamol. During the repeated sprints, time, power, velocity, blood lactate, and peak heart rate were recorded.

Average sprint time, maximum power, maximum velocity, peak heart rate, and peak blood lactate during the 17.5 m sprints were not significantly different between treatments.

Implication. In accordance with the current WADA list of banned substances which allows athletes to inhale up to 1600 micrograms of salbutamol, that amount is insufficient to affect soccer players' performances.

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