DOES CIGARETTE SMOKING AFFECT PULMONARY FUNCTION RESPONSE TO AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING?

Ahmed S Ahmed,* Waleed S Mahmoud and Marwan S Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Objective: Impaired pulmonary functions in cigarette smokers have been clearly evident. Aerobic exercises are known to improve pulmonary functions in nonsmokers. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of cigarette smoking on pulmonary functions after aerobic training. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three cigarette smokers and twenty-five nonsmokers from Prince Sattam bin Abulaziz University students were divided into two groups. The Group A subjects included 23 cigarette smokers and group B included 25 nonsmokers. Subjects in both groups underwent an 8-week aerobic exercise program at 70-80% of maximum heart rate. Pulmonary functions, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and anthropometric measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of the program. Results: Group A subjects showed no significant differences between baseline and post-test values of pulmonary functions, VO2peak or anthropometric measures except for maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) that showed significant increase (p<0.05). Group B subjects showed significant differences between baseline and post-test values of pulmonary functions and VO2peak. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between MVV and VO2peak in both groups. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking counteracts the beneficial effect of aerobic exercise training on pulmonary functions in sedentary healthy smokers. Our data suggest that cigarette smokers are advised to quit smoking immediately in order to avoid further pulmonary damage and to benefit from exercise programs.

Keywords: Aerobic; Exercise; Lung function, Smoking.