Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Effects of acute salbutamol intake during supramaximal exercise in women
Bénédicte Le Panse1, Alexandre Arlettaz, Hugues Portier
1LAPSEP, Orléans, France.
Objective:
To study the effects of an acute therapeutic oral intake of beta(2) agonist on performance and substrate response during supramaximal exercise in women.
Methods:
12 healthy moderately trained female volunteers performed a Wingate test after ingestion of placebo (Pla) and salbutamol (Sal; 4 mg) according to a double-blind randomised crossover study. Blood samples were collected at rest, at the end of exercise and after 5 (r5), 10 (r10) and 15 (r15) min of passive recovery for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), insulin, blood glucose and lactate measurements.
Results:
Peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) significantly increased whereas time to peak power was significantly shorter with Sal than with Pla (p<0.05). No change was observed in the fatigue index. ACTH was not significantly modified but r15 growth hormone significantly decreased (p<0.05) after the intake of Sal. Both blood INS and blood glucose were significantly increased by the intake of Sal during all the experiments (p<0.01). Blood lactate was significantly increased by the intake of Sal compared with that of Pla (p<0.05) after 10 and 15 min of passive recovery.
Conclusion:
From these data, acute therapeutic oral intake of Sal seems to induce, irrespective of the subjects' gender, an improvement in performance during a supramaximal exercise--that is, increase in PP and MP. Further studies are necessary to clarify whether the mechanisms involved in the response to intake of Sal are linked to central and/or peripheral pathways.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

