Inside Exercise
#74- Are beta2-agonists just asthma treatments or also performance enhancers? With Dr Morten Hostrup
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Beta-2 agonists can enhance performance and muscle hypertrophy, but the effects vary based on dosing, duration, and exercise type.
- Systemic effects of beta-2 agonists have metabolic implications, both positive and negative.
- Consider the risks of beta-2 agonists, such as cardiotoxicity and electrolyte imbalances, despite potential benefits.
- Females may have a stronger response to beta-2 agonists, while age does not significantly impact effectiveness, but exercise training may affect their efficacy in endurance performance.
Deep dives
Acute Effects of Beta-2 Agonists
When taken acutely, beta-2 agonists like Ventilin can improve power and muscle strength during sprint-type exercises. However, they have no significant impact on endurance performance or aerobic capacity (VO2 max). The acute effects are primarily due to the activation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which stimulate muscle contraction and increase calcium release in muscle cells.
Chronic Effects of Beta-2 Agonists
When taken chronically, beta-2 agonists can lead to phenotypic changes in muscle fibers, including a transition from slower oxidative type I fibers to faster glycolytic type II fibers. These changes can result in increased muscle strength, power, and hypertrophy. Chronic use of beta-2 agonists has shown significant improvements in muscular performance, muscle mass, and force development. However, these effects are dose-dependent and often require high doses, which may exceed current drug testing limits.
Limitations and Concerns
While beta-2 agonists can have performance-enhancing effects, there are concerns regarding fair play and the potential misuse of these drugs. Current regulations restrict the dosage and use of beta-2 agonists in competitive sports. Efforts are being made to ensure that athletes with asthma receive appropriate treatment while preventing the misuse of these drugs for ergogenic benefits. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and duration of beta-2 agonist use in order to balance the therapeutic benefits with fair competition.
Considerations for Athletes
Athletes should adhere to the recommended treatment guidelines for asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Beta-2 agonists like Ventilin should be used as prescribed by healthcare professionals and in alignment with current regulations. It is important to prioritize asthma control and proper management while avoiding excessive use of these drugs solely for performance enhancement. Regular monitoring and evaluation by healthcare providers can help ensure the appropriate and responsible use of beta-2 agonists in athletes.
Effects and Controversies of Beta-2 Agonists
Beta-2 agonists, such as B-agonists, have the potential to enhance performance and muscle hypertrophy, particularly in bodybuilding and power sports. However, the effects on strength may not be as significant. The dosing and duration of use can impact the benefits, with high doses potentially compromising endurance and causing hemodynamic disturbances. There are controversies in the field, with some questioning the systemic effects of beta-2 agonists. Clinical trials are being conducted to determine the effects on various conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. It is important to consider the regulations and potential adverse effects of these agents.
Metabolism and Health Effects
Beta-2 agonists can have metabolic effects, including increased glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, which may have implications for diabetes management. Studies have shown potential benefits in mitigating the negative effects of a high-fat diet on beta cell function. However, beta-2 agonists also carry risks, such as cardiotoxic effects and electrolyte imbalances that can lead to serious health issues, particularly with high doses. There is ongoing research to understand the mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic use of beta-2 agonists.
Sex Differences and Age Effects
There is evidence suggesting that females may have a greater response to beta-2 agonists in terms of protein metabolism and body composition changes. Age does not appear to significantly impact the effectiveness of beta-2 agonists, with studies showing that receptor content and responsiveness can be maintained with aging. However, there are controversies regarding the impact of exercise training on beta-2 agonist efficacy, with some studies suggesting potential negative effects on endurance performance.
Takeaway Messages
1. Beta-2 agonists have the potential to enhance performance and muscle hypertrophy, but the effects vary depending on dosing, duration of use, and exercise type.
2. Systemic effects of beta-2 agonists exist and can have metabolic implications, both positive and negative.
3. While there are potential benefits, it is important to consider the risks, such as cardiotoxicity and electrolyte imbalances.
4. Females may have a stronger response to beta-2 agonists, and age does not appear to significantly impact effectiveness. However, exercise training may affect beta-2 agonist efficacy in endurance performance.
Dr Glenn McConell chats with Associate Professor from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is an expert on the effect of beta2-agonist asthma bronchodilator medications (like Ventolin) on muscle and exercise performance. We talked about what is asthma/exercise induced bronchoconstriction, can you train your lungs?, the increased prevalence of asthma in endurance athletes, can asthma limit aerobic capacity, what are beta2-agonists?, acute and chronic effects of beta2-agonists on muscle mass, sprinting, strength and endurance, side effects of beta2-agonists and negative effects of beta2 agonists on endurance exercise. Beta2-agonists should only be used for asthma treatment. A very interesting chat. Twitter: @morten_hostrup.
0:00. Introduction
2:12. Morten’s very good excuse for postponing coming on
5:15. What is asthma?
6:50. Lungs in endurance athletes vs general population
1:11:15. Increased asthma in endurance athletes
13:58. Why more asthma in endurance athletes?
17:20. Asthmatic athletes can be very successful
19:50. VO2 max etc not effected by asthma
24:18. Beta2-agonists can have negative effects on VO2 max
26:30. Sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous systems
29:06. What are Beta2-agonists and what do they do?
31:30. Inhaled medications can get into the blood
32:40. Different beta2-agonists
35:23. Legitimate and illegitimate use of beta2-agonists
40:30. Up to 90% of some cohorts take beta2-agonists
42:30. Legal limits of beta2-agonists use
43:40. Acute effects on muscle mass/ sprinting
49:02. Mechanisms of effect on muscle
53:13. How limit misuse?
56:39. Chronic effects on muscle
1:02:50. Hypertrophy from chronic beta2-agonists
1:06:15. Prevalence of use in body builders
1:07:40. Combined use of drugs in body builders
1:10:00. Effect of combining with corticosteroids
1:16:30. Normal doses have small effects on muscle
1:17:10. Side effects
1:21:00. Mechanisms of chronic beta2-agonists on muscle
1:23:30. Muscle mass and insulin sensitivity
1:27:22. Potency vs anabolic steroids etc
1:29:35. Competition with beta blockers
1:31:55. Cycling on and off beta2-agonists?
1:32:35. Effects during exercise
1:37:04. Anti-diabetic effects?
1:38:15. Maintains muscle mass during weight loss
1:39:30. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
1:40:55. Sex differences
1:42:40. Age effects
1:43:40. Does exercise training affect beta2 receptors?
1:44:45. Negative effects on endurance exercise
1:47:02. Increase muscle mass but not so much strength
1:50:20. Controversies in the field
1:52:30. Some claim beta2 agonists have no systemic effects
1:58:00. Takeaway messages
1:59:28. Outro
Inside Exercise brings to you the who's who of research in exercise metabolism, exercise physiology and exercise’s effects on health. With scientific rigor, these researchers discuss popular exercise topics while providing practical strategies for all.
The interviewer, Emeritus Professor Glenn McConell, has an international research profile following 30 years of Exercise Metabolism research experience while at The University of Melbourne, Ball State University, Monash University, the University of Copenhagen and Victoria University.
He has published over 120 peer reviewed journal articles and recently edited an Exercise Metabolism eBook written by world experts on 17 different topics (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-94305-9).
Connect with Inside Exercise and Glenn McConell at:
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Email: glenn.mcconell@gmail.com
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