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Oral theophylline supplementation and high-intensity intermittent exercise
F Pigozzi1, M Sacchetti, V Di Salvo
1University Institute of Movement Sciences (IUSM), Rome Italy.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|February 10, 2004
Summary
Oral theophylline supplementation may delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise, though side effects are possible. Further research is needed to determine its ergogenic potential and doping status.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Theophylline is a methylxanthine drug with potential stimulant effects.
- Its ergogenic potential during high-intensity exercise remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ergogenic effect of oral theophylline during intermittent high-intensity exercise.
- To assess the impact of theophylline on exercise performance and fatigue onset.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 10 healthy subjects.
- Intermittent cycling exercise protocol at 120% of VO(2max) with recovery periods.
- Theophylline (4.5 mg/kg) or placebo administered 90 minutes prior to exercise.
Main Results:
- Time to exhaustion was slightly increased with theophylline supplementation (59.3 ± 5.9 min) compared to placebo (55.9 ± 6 min).
- Three subjects experienced nausea and dizziness after theophylline administration, preventing completion of trials.
- The ergogenic effect, while statistically significant, was not substantial.
Conclusions:
- Oral theophylline demonstrates a statistically significant, albeit modest, ergogenic effect by delaying fatigue onset in high-intensity exercise.
- Potential adverse effects like nausea and dizziness warrant consideration.
- Theophylline's ergogenic potential suggests its inclusion on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of banned or restricted substances.