Acute supra-therapeutic oral terbutaline administration has no ergogenic effect in non-asthmatic athletes

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Feb;113(2):411-8. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2447-0. Epub 2012 Jul 6.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects on a possible improvement in aerobic and anaerobic performance of oral terbutaline (TER) at a supra-therapeutic dose in 7 healthy competitive male athletes. On day 1, ventilatory threshold, maximum oxygen uptake [Formula: see text] and corresponding power output were measured and used to determine the exercise load on days 2 and 3. On days 2 and 3, 8 mg of TER or placebo were orally administered in a double-blind process to athletes who rested for 3 h, and then performed a battery of tests including a force-velocity exercise test, running sprint and a maximal endurance cycling test at Δ50 % (50 % between VT and [Formula: see text]). Lactatemia, anaerobic parameters and endurance performance ([Formula: see text] and time until exhaustion) were raised during the corresponding tests. We found that TER administration did not improve any of the parameters of aerobic performance (p > 0.05). In addition, no change in [Formula: see text] kinetic parameters was found with TER compared to placebo (p > 0.05). Moreover, no enhancement of the force-velocity relationship was observed during sprint exercises after TER intake (p > 0.05) and, on the contrary, maximal strength decreased significantly after TER intake (p < 0.05) but maximal power remained unchanged (p > 0.05). In conclusion, oral acute administration of TER at a supra-therapeutic dose seems to be without any relevant ergogenic effect on anaerobic and aerobic performances in healthy athletes. However, all participants experienced adverse side effects such as tremors.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adult
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances / administration & dosage*
  • Physical Endurance / drug effects*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Terbutaline / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Terbutaline