Actively Recruiting
Physiological, Sensory and Ergogenic Effects of Salbutamol - Implications for Athletic Screening and Beta-2 Agonist Use in Sport
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-03-13
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the effects of beta-2 agonists, commonly used for asthma treatment, on exercise performance in non-asthmatic male and female endurance athletes. The study aims to determine if a specific group of non-asthmatic athletes who experience expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during intense exercise may benefit from these drugs. The study also explores whether female athletes experience greater benefits due to a higher prevalence of EFL. Participants will be randomly assigned to inhale either 400 µg of salbutamol or a placebo via a metered-dose inhaler with a large-volume spacer before performing an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. Each inhalation is spaced by 60 seconds, with four inhalations total. The study uses a triple-blind design to assess the effects of salbutamol compared to placebo on exercise duration and breathing function. During the study, participants will undergo exercise tests where their time to exhaustion and breathing limitations will be measured. Researchers will also evaluate differences between sexes, ventilatory responses, and sensations of breathlessness after inhalation. The primary outcomes focus on time to exhaustion with salbutamol versus placebo, with secondary outcomes exploring effects on EFL and dyspnea. Participation lasts up to two weeks, including testing and monitoring periods.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Salbutamol in Athletes and Implications for Screening and Sports
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) greater than 120% predicted
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 18 and less than 30 kg/m2
- Ability to read and understand English
- Currently training and/or competing in endurance sports such as running or cycling
You will not qualify if you...
- Current smoking or smoking history defined as more than 1 pack year for cigarettes or equivalent cannabis use
- Use of cannabis within the past 30 days
- Use of vaping devices or e-cigarettes in the past 30 days or more than 10 times in lifetime
- History or current symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease excluding controlled asthma
- Contraindications to exercise testing preventing safe exercise
- Neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 2 weeks
Participants receive inhalations of salbutamol and placebo in a randomized crossover design, each followed by an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test to measure exercise performance effects.
2 visits (in-person) with one visit for salbutamol inhalation and one visit for placebo inhalation
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z1Y6
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Satvir S Dhillon, MSc
J
Jordan A Guenette, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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