Whyte, G. P., Dickinson, J., Chester, N., Hu, J., Drust, B., & Loosemore, M. (2013). The ergogenic and pharmokinetics impact of short acting beta2-agonist on 5 km time-trial performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 2420.

This study investigated the ergogenic effect of inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists (salbutamol) at doses up to 1600 micrograms on 5-km time-trial performance in male runners (N =7). Additionally, the pharmokinetics of inhaling up to 1,600 micrograms of salbutamol prior to exercise were examined. Ss completed three 5-km time-trials on separate days. Fifteen minutes prior to a time-trial start, Ss inhaled one of the following treatments: i) placebo, ii) 800 micrograms inhaled salbutamol, or iii) 1600 micrograms inhaled salbutamol. During the time-trial heart rate, oxygen use, carbon-dioxide production, energy, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate were measured. Urine samples (90 ml) were collected between 30-180 minutes after the time-trial and analyzed for salbutamol concentration.

There was no significant difference in performance for the total 5-km time-trial between treatments. Significant differences were observed in ratings of perceived exertion at 2 km, 3 km, and 4 km. Urine concentrations between the 800 and 1600 micrograms concentrations of salbutamol were not significantly different.

Implication. Salbutamol use within the WADA guidelines of 1,600 micrograms per day did not result in any running performance improvement.

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