Salbutamol effects on systemic potassium dynamics during and following intense continuous and intermittent exercise

Muath M. Altarawneh, Aaron Petersen, Robert Smith, David M. Rouffet, Francois Billaut, Ben D. Perry, Victoria L. Wyckelsma, Antony Tobin, Michael J. McKenna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Salbutamol inhalation is permissible by WADA in athletic competition for asthma management and affects potassium regulation, which is vital for muscle function. Salbutamol effects on arterial potassium concentration ([K +] a) during and after high-intensity continuous exercise (HI cont) and intermittent exercise comprising repeated, brief sprints (HI int), and on performance during HI int are unknown and were investigated. Methods: Seven recreationally active men participated in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design, inhaling 1000 µg salbutamol or placebo. Participants cycled continuously for 5 min at 40 % V ˙ O 2peak and 60 % V ˙ O 2peak, then HI cont (90 s at 130 % V ˙ O 2peak), 20 min recovery, and then HI int (3 sets, 5 × 4 s sprints), with 30 min recovery. Results: Plasma [K +] a increased throughout exercise and subsequently declined below baseline (P < 0.001). Plasma [K +] a was greater during HI cont than HI int (P < 0.001, HI cont 5.94 ± 0.65 vs HI int set 1, 4.71 ± 0.40 mM); the change in [K +] a from baseline (Δ[K +] a) was 2.6-fold greater during HI cont than HI int (P < 0.001). The Δ[K +] throughout the trial was less with salbutamol than placebo (P < 0.001, treatment main effect, 0.03 ± 0.67 vs 0.22 ± 0.69 mM, respectively); and remained less after correction for fluid shifts (P < 0.001). The Δ[K +] during HI cont was less after salbutamol (P < 0.05), but not during HI int. Blood lactate, plasma pH, and the work output during HI int did not differ between trials. Conclusions: Inhaled salbutamol modulated the [K +] a rise across the trial, comprising intense continuous and intermittent exercise and recovery, lowering Δ[K +] during HI cont. The limited [K +] a changes during HI int suggest that salbutamol is unlikely to influence systemic [K +] during periods of intense effort in intermittent sports.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2389-2399
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume116
Issue number45637
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Keywords

  • albuterol
  • exercise
  • homeostasis
  • musculoskeletal system
  • potassium

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Salbutamol effects on systemic potassium dynamics during and following intense continuous and intermittent exercise'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this