Effects of Captopril Chronic Intake on the Aerobic Performance and Muscle Strength of Normotensive Trained Subjects

Abstract

Fifteen normotensive athletes specializing in dynamic sports took part in a randomized double-blind and cross-over study: Captopril (50 mg/24 h) vs placebo. Each treatment lasted one month. Maximal exercise tests on cycle ergometer were performed at the end of each period. No significant differences were observed in the maximal values of oxygen uptake, power, heart rate or blood lactate value. The anaerobic threshold, defmed as the exercise intensity which corresponded to a 4 mmol·l^-1 blood lactate level was unchanged. With captopril, the end-of-exercise systolic and diastolic BP were slightly altered (NS). Lower limb muscle strength, as explored with a Cybex isokinetic System, was not modified by captopril intake. The results indicate that maximal aerobic Performance and isokinetic strength of the lower limbs are not altered by captopril chronic administration (50 mg/day) in normotensive trained subjects.

Key words

Normotensive athletes - Converting enzyme inhibitors - maximal aerobic Performance - isokinetic muscle strength - blood lactate concentrations