Pseudoephedrine enhances performance in 1500-m runners

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter decongestant, has been investigated for potential stimulant and ergogenic effects.
• Despite its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list, evidence for pseudoephedrine's impact on athletic performance remains limited.
• This research addresses the need for studies examining pseudoephedrine's influence on exercise capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ergogenic potential of pseudoephedrine on 1500-m running performance.
• To determine if pseudoephedrine enhances endurance exercise capacity in male athletes.
• To evaluate the physiological effects of pseudoephedrine during high-intensity running.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized crossover design was employed with seven male athletes.
• Participants completed two 1500-m running trials separated by seven days.
• Athletes received either pseudoephedrine (2.5 mg/kg body weight) or a maltodextrin placebo 70 minutes prior to exercise.

Main Results:

• Pseudoephedrine significantly reduced 1500-m running time by 2.1% compared to placebo (273.86s vs. 279.65s).
• No significant side effects were reported by participants during or after the trials.
• Analysis of blood parameters (lactate, glucose, blood gases) showed no significant changes, suggesting a central rather than metabolic mechanism of action.

Conclusions:

• Pseudoephedrine ingestion (2.5 mg/kg) 90 minutes before exercise demonstrably improves 1500-m running performance.
• The findings support a potential ergogenic effect of pseudoephedrine in endurance running.
• Pseudoephedrine may enhance performance through central nervous system stimulation.