The asthma drug, ß2-agonists can improve sprint and strength performance in athletes who don’t have the respiratory condition, finds a review published in British Journal of Sports Medicine.

he performance-enhancing qualities of ß2-agonists seem to be greater when taken by mouth rather than when inhaled, the findings indicate.

But it’s far from clear if the ß2-agonists that have been officially approved for use by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have the same effects as those that have been banned, say the researchers.

ß2-agonists relax the airways carrying oxygen to the lungs. They are recommended before exercise and for symptom relief in those with asthma, which is common among Olympic athletes.

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