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

## TL;DR

A single dose of salmeterol helps cyclists maintain sprint power after fatigue, potentially improving race outcomes.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that acute salmeterol use preserves sprint performance in fatigued cyclists, challenging prior assumptions.

## Key findings

- Salmeterol reduced power decline in fatigued sprints compared to placebo.
- Peak and mean power were higher with salmeterol in post-fatigue sprints.
- No improvement in fresh sprints or myoelectric activity was observed.

## Abstract

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.