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Sympathomimetics and exercise enhancement: all in the mind?
R DeMeersman1, D Getty, D C Schaefer
1Applied Physiology Laboratory, Teachers College, Columbia University.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Sympathomimetic drugs like ephedrine do not enhance maximal aerobic capacity in healthy individuals. This study found no significant physiological or psychological performance benefits from ephedrine use.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The 1972 Olympic Games saw an athlete disqualified for using ephedrine, a prescribed asthma medication.
- This highlights the need to understand the performance-enhancing effects of sympathomimetic drugs in athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if sympathomimetic drug administration enhances maximal exercise performance.
- To assess the physiological and psychological effects of ephedrine on healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, cross-over, counterbalanced study design.
- Ten healthy subjects underwent incremental cycle ergometer tests.
- Tests were conducted after ingesting either ephedrine or a placebo.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in cardiopulmonary variables (VE, VO2, VCO2, RQ, AT).
- No significant differences were found in cardiovascular variables (HR, BP, O2 Pulse, RPP).
- No significant differences were noted in psychophysiological measures (RPE).
Conclusions:
- Sympathomimetic drugs like ephedrine do not provide a performance advantage in healthy individuals.
- The study suggests no benefit for augmenting maximal aerobic capacity with ephedrine.