FORMOTEROL AND PERFORMANCE IN ELITE NON-ASTHMATIC ATHLETES

Abstract

Purpose To determine the effect of formoterol (formoterol fumerate dihydrate) on the aerobic and anaerobic capacities of highly trained nonasthmatic athletes. Methods: 10 male athletes (age = 26.2 ± 0.9, VO2 max = 65.6 ± 2.4 ml.kg−1.min−1) with a negative methacholine challenge test (PC20 > 16 mg/ml) completed three identical exercise sessions differing only by the medication administered. Formoterol (F) a long-acting b-2 agonist, presently not approved for international competition by the I. O. C. Medical committee, was compared to Salbutamol (S), an accepted bronchodilator, and a placebo (P). Formoterol (12 μg), salbutamol (400 μg), or placebo was administered by a turbuhaler, ten minutes prior to exercise testing in a double blind, randomized, three-way crossover design. Testing sessions included a Wingate anaerobic test followed 15 minutes later by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Results: There was no significant difference in VO2 max (F = 66.5 ± 2.7; S = 67.8 ± 2.5; P = 67.5 ± 2.1 ml.kg−1.min−1) or Wingate peak power (F = 885 ± 40; S = 877 ± 44 watts). During the maximal aerobic test no difference was observed in maximum minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, or work between the three experimental conditions. There was also no difference in the Wingate anaerobic test variables, total work or fatigue index. Conclusion: Formoterol, administered in an aerosolized therapeutic dose does not have an ergogenic effect in elite nonasthmatic athletes. Supported by AstraZeneca