Effect of Topical Timolol Maleate on Exercise Performance

Abstract

• The effect of topical timolol maleate on exercise performance was investigated in a randomized double-blind study. Healthy young subjects underwent two graded maximal exercise evaluations on a treadmill. The evaluations were given one week apart. Before each trial, the subjects were given a single drop of either placebo or 0.5% timolol maleate in each eye. The results indicate that topical timolol has a statistically significant effect on both maximal heart rate and time to exhaustion. However, we found that the drug had no effect on the physiologic parameters of Vo₂, respiratory rate, Vco₂, or respiratory quotient.