Impairment of physical performance after treatment with beta blockers and alpha blockers.

An investigation was made into the effect of various types of beta blockers, an alpha blocker, a combined alpha and beta blocker, and a diuretic on physical performance in a normotensive man. Beta blockers, the alpha blocker, and the combined alpha and beta blocker significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced physical performance. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in a larger series of subjects.