RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Aerobic performance among healthy (non-asthmatic) adults using beta2-agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 975
OP 983
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100984
VO 55
IS 17
A1 Riiser, Amund
A1 Stensrud, Trine
A1 Stang, Julie
A1 Andersen, Lars Bo
YR 2021
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/55/17/975.abstract
AB Objective To examine the effect of beta2-agonists on aerobic performance in healthy, non-asthmatic study participants.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis.Eligibility criteria We searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science) for randomised controlled trials published until December 2019. Studies examining the effect of beta2-agonists on maximal physical performance lasting longer than 1 min were included in the meta-analysis. Data are presented as standardised difference in mean (SDM) with 95% CI.Results The present meta-analysis includes 47 studies. The studies comprise 607 participants in cross-over trials, including 99 participants in three-way cross-over trials and 27 participants in a four-way cross-over trial. Seventy-three participants were included in parallel trials. Beta2-agonists did not affect aerobic performance compared with placebo (SDM 0.051, 95% CI −0.020 to 0.122). The SDM for the included studies was not heterogeneous (I2=0%, p=0.893), and the effect was not related to type of beta2-agonist, dose, administration route, duration of treatment or performance level of participants. Beta2-agonists had no effect on time trial performance, time to exhaustion or maximal oxygen consumption (p<0.218).Conclusion/implication The present study shows that beta2-agonists do not affect aerobic performance in non-asthmatic subjects regardless of type, dose, administration route, duration of treatment or performance level of participants. The results of the present study should be of interest to WADA and to anyone who is interested in equal opportunities in competitive sports.Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42018109223.