At our SCM meet this past weekend we had an out-of-state visitor swimming. She was a very serious swimmer, arrived a week early to acclimate, came with a bit of an entourage, and did some pretty amazing times (45-49). We also saw her taking frequent hits from a very large inhaler always just before her races as she was warming up and behind the blocks. Any thoughts?.
I know a lot of athletes feel otherwise (and maybe perception is the most important thing), but if you don't have airway reactivity, the effect of albuterol on lung function is pretty minimal. There is some work on oral albuterol and improved strength that is really focused on reversing the effects of immobility. You would never a high enough dose by inhaling it anyways.
My opinion is that, if you don't have asthma, albuterol probably doesn't improve your athletic performance. The elevated heart rate and nervousness associated with the drug may make you feel like you are getting an enhancement but I doubt its a measurable one.
I know a lot of athletes feel otherwise (and maybe perception is the most important thing), but if you don't have airway reactivity, the effect of albuterol on lung function is pretty minimal. There is some work on oral albuterol and improved strength that is really focused on reversing the effects of immobility. You would never a high enough dose by inhaling it anyways.
My opinion is that, if you don't have asthma, albuterol probably doesn't improve your athletic performance. The elevated heart rate and nervousness associated with the drug may make you feel like you are getting an enhancement but I doubt its a measurable one.
