EFFICACY OF ASTHMA MEDICATION REGIMEN IN ELITE ATHLETES WITH EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

Abstract

Elite speedskaters previously diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma (EIA) were evaluated to determine the efficacy of a prescribed asthma medication regimen. Subjects (n = 8, including five 1998 Olympians) were female and male members of the U.S. National Short Track Speedskating team (20 ± 2 yr: 170 ± 9 cm; 67.1 ± 3.4 kg) who were in training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. CO (elevation 1860m). Standard spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEF25–75, PEF) was conducted prior to and at 5, 10, and 15 min after the athletes completed a 1000-m on-ice time trial (8–10°C, 30–35% RH, 612–615 mm Hg). The presence of EIA was based on a postexercise decrement in FEV1 ± 10%. EIA was evaluated during the 1998 and 2000 competitive seasons. All subjects had been diagnosed with EIA during the 1998 season and were placed on a “first line” asthma medication regimen (albuterol); prescribed medications were used in conjunction with the 2000 test. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate mean differences between the two seasons to determine the efficacy of the prescribed asthma medications. Compared to the 1998 season, no significant differences were observed during the 2000 season for any of the spirometric indices, either preexercise or postexercise. Maximal postexercise decrements (recorded at either 10 or 15 min post) for the 1998 and 2000 seasons, respectively. were: FVC (−17, −16%); FEV1(−17, −14%); FEF25–75(−21, −15%); and PEF(−17, −14%). Six of the eight athletes were EIA-positive on both tests, whereas asthma medication was effective in eliminating EIA symptoms in the other two athletes. These data suggest that, in general, standard asthma medications are not effective in reducing EIA in elite speedskaters. It is possible that more potent “second line” medications may be necessary to control EIA in elite athletes. Supported by the United States Olympic Committee