Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of the current literature on the use of inhaled β₂ agonists in non-asthmatic competitive athletes, and to assess the performance enhancing effect of inhaled β₂ agonists.

Methods: Review of the literature.

Results: Twenty randomised, placebo controlled studies (19 double blind, one single blind) were located. Only three studies reported a performance enhancing effect of inhaled β₂ agonists. However, methodological shortcomings were most likely responsible for these findings (for example, non-elite athletes, inconsistent results in different tests, subgroups with above-average responsiveness).

Conclusions: This review reveals that there is no ergogenic potential of inhaled β₂ agonists in non-asthmatic athletes. In view of the epidemiology of asthma in athletes and the considerable workload involved in provision of therapeutic use exemptions the inclusion of inhaled β₂ agonists on the list of prohibited substances should be reconsidered.