Montelukast has no ergogenic effect on cycle ergometry in cold temperature

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common condition affecting athletes.
• Montelukast (ML) is a medication used for asthma and allergy management.
• The ergogenic potential and prophylactic use of ML in athletes, particularly in cold environments, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a single 10-mg dose of montelukast (ML) on the physical performance of athletes with (EIB+) and without (EIB-) exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
• To assess the efficacy of ML as a prophylactic agent against EIB in a cold environment.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four male college ice hockey players underwent two maximal work accumulation tests on a cycle ergometer in subfreezing temperatures (-2.5°C).
• Participants received either 10 mg of ML or a placebo (PL) 6-8 hours before each test.
• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction was assessed by monitoring the fall in FEV1 post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Eight athletes (33%) were classified as EIB+ (≥15% fall in FEV1), while 16 were EIB- (<15% fall in FEV1).
• ML demonstrated approximately 50% protection against post-exercise FEV1 decline in EIB+ athletes.
• No significant differences in total work accumulated (kJ) were observed between ML and PL trials for pooled, EIB-, or EIB+ subjects.
• EIB- athletes accumulated significantly more work than EIB+ athletes in both PL and ML conditions.

Conclusions:

• A single 10-mg dose of ML did not provide an ergogenic effect for athletes performing short-duration, high-intensity exercise in cold conditions.
• The findings support the use of montelukast as a prophylactic treatment for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in international sports competitions.
• Montelukast's primary benefit appears to be in mitigating EIB symptoms rather than enhancing athletic performance.