The Asthmatic Athlete, Inhaled Beta Agonists, and Performance

Abstract

In many cases, the prescription of IBAs to this population has been made on empirical grounds. Beginning with the 2002 Winter Games, athletes will be required to submit to the IOC Medical Commission clinical and laboratory evidence that justifies the use of this medication. The eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea test will be used to assess individuals who have not satisfied an independent medical panel of the need to use an IBA.

Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Bronchodilators

“…There is evidence that ␤ 2 -AR agonists can have an anabolic effect on muscle when given orally, but they are not ergogenic when given at the usual inhaled dose (McKenzie et al, 2002). These effects have been studied particularly for clenbuterol, but there is also proof that oral albuterol can improve performance because it increases strength, endurance, and power, although side effects can be unpleasant (Fitch, 2006).…”

The Impact of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

“…This is extremely pertinent given the fact approximately one fifth of swimmers and cyclists used beta2-agonists at the Summer Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008 [7].…”

“…VO2max is consistently reported as the primary outcome measure however the fact that VO2max is a poor predictor of athletic performance is often overlooked and sport-specific protocols are more appropriate. For instance, a high proportion of elite cyclists administer beta-2 agonists [7] as an ergogenic aid, yet any performance impact of this treatment will not be adequately detected by an indoor ramp exercise test.…”

“…Explanations for this disparity proposed include the fact that physiological changes / demands associated with EIB may represent an 'extra' training stimulus that non-asthmatic athletes do not experience [7]. Others have suggested that airway dysfunction develops in elite athletes throughout the course of their careers by virtue of greater training volume in conjunction with chronic exposure to noxious environmental conditions [4] (i.e.…”

“…It is now recognised that endurance athletes are susceptible to the development of airway dysfunction yet still win a disproportionately high percentage of Olympic medals [7,8].…”