According to the motto “higher, faster, further”, some sports teachers and athletes use active ingredients to improve their physical condition Efficiency to optimise. Also asthma spray become like doping substances deployed. A study now shows that these drugs alter the lung or heart function may cause.
A study conducted by Ulm University Medicine examined the effect of asthma medications on the performance of athletes. In a Message from Ulm University Hospital reports the results.
Performance effects
In a study from the Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ulm University Hospital, which was conducted over the past two years, researchers examined how asthma medications affect the Efficiency of professional athletes.
A total of 24 participants – 12 sporty men and 12 sporty women between the ages of 18 and 45 – cycled once a week in the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation section for ten minutes at the highest possible fitness level within the framework. of a simulated cycle against the watch (TT).
the medication Formoterol, salbutamol and a placebo have been used in various combinations.
Before being included in the study, all test persons were checked intensively for their health and physical fitness as well as for their experience in competition and endurance performance examined in order to reflect as accurately as possible the conditions of high-level sport.
Among other things, the performance achieved, lung function, blood pressure and changes in cardiac contractility were determined for the participants, as well as a post-exercise test muscle biopsy pulled from the thigh.
The cooperation partners of this study, the working groups of Prof. Dr. Maria Kristina Parr (Free University of Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy) and Prof. Dr. Patrick Diel (German Sports University Cologne, Institute for Circulatory Research and Sports Medicine), conducted additional experiments on the anabolic effects of asthma drugs in cell culture and mass spectrometry trace analysis through.
Valid Study Results
The study lasted two years as planned – one year for the practical part and one year for the evaluation – and was carried out successfully despite the corona pandemic. Here are the most important results conclusion to be drawn:
This study design was suitable for both women and men and provided valid study results regarding the influence of asthma sprays on the performance of both genders.
heart function: An effect of the treatment on the contractility of the cardiac muscle, measured by the echocardiographic function (Global Longitudinal Strain) could be demonstrated. A clear effect was observed after combined treatment with the drugs salbutamol and formoterol.
Lung function: Immediately after the ten-minute performance test, participants showed an increased level one second capacitythat is, the greatest possible amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second.
When using inhaled medications that are not medically indicated β2 agonists there may also be (at higher doses or in the combination of short- and long-acting ß2 agonists) positive effects on healthy people and their sports performance through effects on the ability to second .
At the genetic level in the muscle showed what is called Channel analysiswhich can be used to study gene up-regulation or down-regulation, differences in adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB2) activation associated with the action of asthma drugs by treatment.
Based on these genetic analyses, a statistically significant analysis was found with a combination drug upward regulation ADRB2 genes by a factor of 1.53 compared to the administration of a placebo. Additionally, the so-called NR4A2 gene has been upregulated as a potential regulatory mechanism for better regulation of metabolic performance during endurance or strength training.
A clear treatment effect could be demonstrated for the hormones LH, FSH and insulin in the blood, which illustrates the anabolic, i.e. anabolic, effect of ß2-agonists and could potentially impact physical performance with a longer use.
No concentration was detected in the urine samples that would be considered doping if it were a real doping control would have.
The Cologne working group studied the anabolic effects in C2C12 cell cultures over a longer period of time and clearly showed the anabolic effects of 2 agonists on the growth of muscle cells in vitro.
Potentially high performance
May contribute to changes in lung or heart function endurance sports now, for example when fatigue sets in, be favored by the administration of the drug during a competition?
“Based on current evidence, both effects could potentially change performance improvement affect”says Prof. Dr. Jürgen M. Steinacker, Medical Director of the Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ulm University Hospital.
“Additional studies must now investigate this issue to find a possible Competitive advantage to be excluded and to protect the health of all athletes. The possible doping control implications of these substances as well as potential side effects should now be discussed. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.
Important note: This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.
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