Summaryβ-Adrenoceptor blockers (β-blockers) are common first-choice drugs in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders. Physical exercise performed during single-dose administration of β-blockers, however, is associated with an increased rate of perceived exertion; an effect which appears to be partly reduced with long term treatment. Although clinical doses of β-blockade may reduce heart rate by 30 to 35%, during maximal exercise cardiac output is not equally reduced. Accordingly, most studies have demonstrated increased stroke volume after β-blockade. This reduction in heart rate is typically accompanied by a decreased VO2max(5 to 15%) in both patients and healthy, trained subjects. This smaller reduction in VO2max, as compared with the decrease in cardiac output, is the result of a partly compensating increased arteriovenous O2difference. Work capacity as reflected by the ability to perform intense short term or more prolonged steady-state exercise is also impaired following β-blockade. β-Adrenoceptors can be subdivided into types β1- and β2. Blockers which are specific for either β1-receptors (β-selective blockers) or both β1- and β2receptors (non-selective blockers) differ with regard to their effect on exercise performance. Exercise performance ability, irrespective of exercise intensity and duration, is impaired to a greater extent following non-selective than β-selective blockade at equal reductions in heart rate. This response stems from a decreased energy flux through glycogenolysis during non-selective blockade treatment. Individuals receiving β-blockade medication therefore show greater adaptive response to physical conditioning during treatment with β1-selective than non-selective blockade probably because of greater training intensity with the former therapy. Neither psychomotor performance nor muscular strength and power is negatively affected by β-blockade. Nevertheless, the ability to perform athletic events requiring high levels of motor control under emotional stress but not high levels of aerobic or anaerobic energy release, is probably increased during β-blockade.