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Mitigating End-Stage Fatigue: Acute Inhaled Salmeterol Preserves Sprint Power in Simulated Cycling

delete2025-11-06
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M
Michele Merlini
W
Walter Staiano *
L
Luca Angius
M
Marco Romagnoli *
F
Federico Schena
J
John W. Dickinson
S
Samuele Marcora
DOI:10.1111/sms.70159delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This study tested whether a single 100 μg inhalation of salmeterol enhances 12-s sprint performance in both fresh and fatigued states in elite road cyclists. In a randomized crossover design, 16 well-trained, non-asthmatic male cyclists completed 2 trials 1 week apart. Participants inhaled either 100 μg salmeterol or placebo 1h before testing. Each trial involved: an initial 12-s sprint (fresh), a 1h race simulation (40%–95% peak power output) with heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) monitored, and a final 12-s sprint (fatigued). Peak and mean power, and vastus lateralis myoelectric activity were recorded during the sprints. Power declined from pre- to post-simulation in both conditions (p < 0.016), but the decrement was attenuated with salmeterol (peak: −7.5% vs. −18.2%; mean: −13.0% vs. −19.8%). Fatigued-sprint peak power was higher with salmeterol (915 ± 135 W) than placebo (831 ± 112 W; p = 0.030), as was mean power (692 ± 76 vs. 643 ± 92 W; p = 0.037). No effect of salmeterol was observed on fresh sprint performance and myoelectric activity. Blood lactate concentration and RPE rose similarly in both conditions (p < 0.001), while heart rate was higher with salmeterol during the first 20 min (p = 0.004). Acute inhalation of salmeterol attenuates muscle fatigue and enhances sprint performance at the end of a simulated race. These findings challenge the presumption of no enhancing effect of inhaled salmeterol at therapeutic doses in competitive road cycling, where final sprints often determine outcomes.
Keywords:
β2-agonists
doping
durability
elite sport
ergogenic aid
physiological resilience
WADA
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Journal

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports cover
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
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3.8
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