ng test, the athlete runs for 6-8 minutes to maintain heart rate at 180 or above. This is the most inexpensive and valuable test because of the high asthmogenic quality of running (Randolph, 1997). The cycle ergometer is less asthmogenic than running and also more expensive, but still allows for adequate diagnosis of EIA. With the cycle ergometer, 4 minutes of work at 80%-90% of the individual’s target heart rate or 50%-60% of predicted maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) can trigger a response (Tan & Spector, 1998). The last method of testing is the standard treadmill in which the individual attains a workload at a target heart rate of 180 or more in the first few minutes and then maintains this for 6-8 minutes while speed and grade are manipulated to maintain the heart rate throughout the entire exercise challenge (Randolph, 1997). According to Randolph (1997), “the most important elements in a successful exercise challenge are the level of ventilation, the heat and water contained in inspired air, and the degree of warm down at the conclusion of the challenge” (p. 71). There are pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for EIA. The most common pharmacological treatment is a bronchodilator, or beta agonist inhaler. Beta agonists are 80%-95% effective in protecting against exercise induced symptoms and have been the most popular and effective method of treatment and prevention of EIA (Enright, 1996; Randolph, 1997; Smith & LaBotz, 1998; Spector, 1993; Storms, 1999; Tan & Spector, 1998). The beta agonists act immediately upon inhalation and result in bronchodilation for 4-6 hours. Bronchodilators should be administered 2-4 puffs at a time, 15 minutes before exercise or during acute attacks of bronchospasm (Enright, 1996; Randolph, 1997; Smith & LaBotz, 1998). The most frequently used beta agonists, and ones approved by the US Olympics committee, are albuterol and terbutaline (Enright, 1996; Randolp...
