Effects of short-term salbutamol ingestion during a Wingate test

The effects of a chronic salbutamol intake (SAL, 12 mg/d during 3 weeks) on changes in body composition, metabolic indices and performance during a 30-second Wingate test were determined in 8 strength-trained male athletes (T) and 7 sedentary male (UT) subjects, according to a double-blind, randomized, cross-over protocol. Blood samples were collected both at rest, at the end of the test, and during passive recovery (5 min, 10 min, 15 min) for leptin (at rest), and blood lactate measurements. No significant changes in lean body mass, fat mass, and leptin were observed with SAL treatment in either group during the trial. Peak power was significantly increased (p < 0.05) after SAL intake in all subjects (T: 11.9 %; UT: 8.3 %) with a decrease in time to peak power with SAL compared to placebo (PLA) (p < 0.05). There was no change in total work performed and in fatigue indices with SAL compared to PLA. Blood lactate was significantly increased after SAL vs. PLA during the recovery (p < 0.05) in all subjects. The data demonstrate that the chronic administration of therapeutic levels of salbutamol increases maximal anaerobic power in man, irrespective of the subjects' training status. This study also rules out any implication of an anabolic effect in this improvement in performance during supramaximal exercise. Further studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved.