Multimodal longitudinal respiratory function assessment in very low birth weight 7-year-old children

PurposePreterm birth is associated with adverse pulmonary outcomes. We aimed to evaluate respiratory morbidities and lung function of very low birth weight (VLBW) Polish children followed up at the age of 7 years old, and to compare with electrical impedance segmentography (EIS) results recorded at 4 years of age.Materials and methodsVLBW children were compared with term controls using impulse oscillometry and spirometry. Perinatal data and current respiratory morbidities were analyzed and pulmonary function test results were compared with previous EIS results.ResultsWe included 40 VLBW children and 30 controls in the analysis. Elevated total airway resistance and forced expiratory volume in the first second below the lower limit of normal were more prevalent in VLBW children compared with term controls (15 vs 0%; 18 vs 0%). A positive bronchodilator response was more common in VLBW children (R_{5 Hz}: 46 vs 13.3%; R_{5–20 ​Hz}: 65 vs 36.7%). Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) had higher total airway resistance (R_{5 Hz}/R_{5 Hz pred}: 1.35 vs 0.95; p ​< ​0.001), large airway resistance (R_{20 Hz}/R_{20 Hz pred}: 0.89 vs 0.66; p ​= ​0.001), small airway resistance (R_{5–20 ​Hz}: 0.57 vs 0.34 ​kPa ​L⁻¹ ​s⁻¹; p ​= ​0.009), than controls. Strong correlation between BDR in EIS and R_{5 Hz}/R_{5 Hz pred} was observed in children with BPD (r ​= ​0.7).ConclusionVLBW school-aged children with BPD presented with substantial respiratory morbidity and persistent reduction of lung function, affecting small and large airways and lung parenchyma. EIS may be an alternative tool for lung function assessment in children with BPD.     

Serum paraoxonase activity and lipid hydroperoxide levels in adult football players after three days football tournament

Background

It has been suggested that physical activity is an important factor in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Low serum paraoxononase-1 (PON1) activity is with an associated risk of atherosclerotic disease.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate serum PON1 activity and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in adult football players after three days football tournament.

Methods

Twenty-three adult male football players and 23 sedentary male subjects after three days football tournament were enrolled. Serum paraoxonase, arylesterase activities and LOOH levels were determined.

Results

Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were signiûcantly higher in football players than sedentary subjects (all, p<0.05), while LOOH levels were significantly lower (p< 0.05). Serum LOOH levels were inversely correlated with paraoxonase and arylesterase activities (r=−0.552, p<0.001; r=−0.812, p<0.001; respectively) in adult football players.

Conclusion

Our data show, for the first time, that physical activity is associated with increased PON1 activity and decreased oxidative stress after three days football tournament. In addition, physical activity for a healthy life is important in increasing serum PON1 activity, and this may play a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.     

Comparison of heart rate response and heart rate recovery after step test among smoker and non-smoker athletes

BackgroundExercise performance depend on the ability of the cardiovascular system to respond to a wide range of metabolic demands and physical exertion.ObjectivesTo investigate the habitual smoking effects in heart rate response and heart rate recovery after step test in athletes.MethodsSeventy-eight physically healthy active athletes (45 non-smokers and 33 smokers) aging 27±8 years old, participated in this study. All participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and performed the six-minute step test. Cardiovascular parameters such (resting heart rate, peak heart rate, heart rate at 1 min after testing, heart rate recovery, recovery time, blood pressure at rest, and post-testing blood pressure) were recorded.ResultsSmoker-athletes had higher resting heart rate (76 ± 9bpm vs. 72 ± 10bpm, p<0.05), maximum heart rate (154 ± 18bpm vs. 147 ± 17bpm, p<0.05) and recovery time (7min 25sec ± 6min 31sec vs. 4min 21sec ± 4min 30sec, p<0.05) than non-smoker athletes. Scores from the IPAQ were approximately the same (M=7927 ± 10303, M= 6380 ± 4539, p<0.05).ConclusionSmoking was found to affect athletes'' cardiovascular fitness. The change of the athletes'' heart rate recovery and recovery time contributes to the adaptation of cardiovascular function in training requirements.     

Genu varum and football participation: Does football participation affect lower extremity alignment in adolescents?

BackgroundGenu varum is one of the most common anatomical variations of knee alignment which is considered a risk factor for anterior knee pain and anterior cruciate ligament injury among football players. Considering that millions of children participate in high-level football training, the purpose of this study was to determine the genu varum development in adolescent football players and non-athlete peers. The hypothesis of this study was that genu varum incidence was higher in adolescent football players compared with non-athletic peers.MethodsThe design was a cross-sectional study. Two-hundred and thirty-seven male football players (FG) and aged-matched and anthropometrically similar non-athletes (CG) were recruited into the study. The quadriceps angle and intercondylar–intermalleolar distance were measured to evaluate the leg alignment. The distance between the medial edges of the condyles and malleoli was measured in millimeters using a digital caliper while angle measurements were performed using a photographic technique in a standing position. To analyze the variables, comparison, correlation and regression statistical tests were performed.ResultsThe intercondylar–intermalleolar distance and quadriceps angle values were significantly higher in FG than CG in all ages. In FG, a very strong correlation was found between number of training years and the intercondylar–intermalleolar distance. The prevalence of genu varum was markedly higher in FG than CG (~37% vs. 2%, respectively) based on intercondylar–intermalleolar distance.ConclusionThis study determined that the prevalence of genu varum and abnormal quadriceps angles in adolescent football players is significantly higher compared with their non-athletic peers.     

Exhaled breath condensate MMP-9 level and its relationship wıth asthma severity and interleukin-4/10 levels in children

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key mediators in airway remodeling, and MMP- 9 is the main type investigated to discover its implication for the pathogenesis and severity of asthma.ObjectiveTo evaluate MMP-9 and its natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) levels of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in children with asthma. We also analyzed any potential relationship between these enzymes and EBC interleukin (IL)-4/10 levels as well as asthma severity.MethodsThree study groups were formed: group 1, children with persistent asthma (n = 20); group 2, children with intermittent asthma (n = 10), and group 3, healthy controls (n = 12). Pulmonary functions were measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% of vital capacity values by spirometry, and MMP-9, TIMP-1 and IL-4/10 levels in EBC were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe MMP-9 levels of EBC were found to be 57.7 ± 17.5, 35.4 ± 11.7, and 30.6 ± 3.7 ng/mL in children belonging to group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively. Children belonging to group 1 and group 2 showed significantly higher MMP-9 levels of EBC in comparison with the controls (P < .001 and P = .047, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding TIMP-1 levels of EBC. EBC MMP-9 levels were inversely correlated with both FEV₁ and PEF values (r = ?0.472, P = .011, and r = ?0.571, P = .002, respectively) in children with asthma. Positive correlations were also seen between MMP-9 levels and IL-4/10 levels of EBC (r = 0.419, P = .027 and r = 0.405, P = .032, respectively) in children with asthma.ConclusionWe showed that MMP-9 levels of EBC are elevated in children with asthma and correlated with lung functions and other inflammatory markers such as IL-4/IL10 in EBC.     

Association of Toll-like receptor 2 gene polymorphisms with lung function in workers in swine operations

BackgroundWorkers in swine operations are exposed to indoor dusts and gases and are at increased risk of respiratory problems. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 recognizes ligands from gram-positive bacteria, whereas TLR4 responds to endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms on lung function in workers from swine operations and nonfarming rural dwellers.MethodsA total of 374 full-time workers from large swine operations and 411 nonfarming rural dwellers from Saskatchewan were included. Information on demography, lifestyle, and occupation, lung function measurements, and blood samples for genotyping were obtained from the participants. Multiple regression analysis and Bonferroni correction were used in the statistical analysis.ResultsWorkers with TLR2-16933T/A polymorphism (AA) had significantly greater mean values of lung function than workers with wild-type genotypes (AT+TT) after controlling for potential confounders (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, 3.7 vs 3.5 L; P=.009; forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75%, 3.7 vs 3.3 L; P=.003; predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second; 100.3% vs 95.6%; P=.005; forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75%, 92.4% vs 83.4%; P=.009). These results were also observed for TLR2Arg677Trp polymorphism among the workers. No such significant differences were observed among nonfarming rural dwellers. For Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene, no significant differences were observed in the mean lung function values between the polymorphic and wild-type groups in both workers and rural dwellers.ConclusionOur study is the first, to our knowledge, to report protective effects of TLR2 polymorphisms on lung function among workers in swine operations and raises the possibility that TLR2 polymorphisms are protective of airway disease in individuals exposed to gram-positive organisms in the inhaled airborne dust.     

The growth of lung volumes affected by physical performance capacity in boys and girls during childhood and adolescence

Summary The paper concerns a longitudinal study of the relationship between growth in lung functions in terms of forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1s, and the development of maximal aerobic power during the age span from 8–18 years of age.The growth curves of anatomical dimensions for boys and girls were similar to those previously established for Northern European children. The growth in lung volume ended later than the growth in body height.It was found that the growth in lung volume was entirely due to growth in body dimensions, with no additional effect of changes in the development of physical performance capacity.     

Nutrition education improves knowledge and BMI-for-age in Ghanaian school-aged children

BackgroundAdequate nutrition is required for growth and development in children. This study tested the effectiveness of nutrition education on knowledge and BMI-for-age (BFA) of school-aged children in the Kumasi Metropolis.MethodsChildren, aged 9–13 years old were recruited from ten randomly selected primary schools in the Metropolis. The schools were randomly allocated into 3 groups: nutrition education (3 schools), physical activity (PA) education (3 schools), both interventions (2 schools), or control (2 schools). Following a baseline nutrition and PA knowledge and status assessment in 433 children, twice-monthly nutrition and PA education and demonstrations were carried out for 6 months, followed by a post-intervention assessment.ResultsPA and nutrition knowledge improved in all groups (P<0.001); the highest improvement was among those who received both interventions (31.0%), followed by the nutrition education group (29.8%), and the least, the control group (19.1%). Overall, BFA improved by +0.36, from baseline (-0.26) to end of the intervention (+0.10, P<0.001). Within the groups, the nutrition group (+0.65, P<.001) had the highest improvement, then, both the intervention group (+0.27, P<0.001), the PA group (+0.23, P<0.001) and lastly, the control group (+0.18, P=0.001).ConclusionNutrition education could improve knowledge and BMI-for-age in school-aged children in Ghana.     

The Impact of Erosive Reflux Esophagitis on the Decline of Lung Function in the General Population

BackgroundThe impact of reflux esophagitis on the decline of lung function has been rarely reported. This study was performed to evaluate the association between erosive reflux esophagitis and lung function changes.MethodsWe included patients with normal lung function who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for health screening from a health screening center. Patients with persistent erosive reflux esophagitis on two discrete endoscopic examinations were designated as the erosive reflux esophagitis group. We also selected patients without erosive reflux esophagitis and matched them 1:4 with patients from the erosive reflux esophagitis group. We estimated annual forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC) changes from baseline and compared these estimates by the linear mixed regression model. We also estimated the biannual incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ResultsIn total, 1,050 patients (210 patients with erosive reflux esophagitis, and 840 matched controls) were included. The median follow-up duration for spirometry was six years. In patients with erosive reflux esophagitis, mild reflux esophagitis (A grade) was most common (165 patients, 78.6%). The adjusted annual FEV₁ change in patients with erosive reflux esophagitis was −51.8 mL/yr, while it decreased by 46.8 mL/yr in controls (P = 0.270). The adjusted annual FVC decline was similar between the two groups (−55.8 vs. −50.5 mL/yr, P = 0.215). The estimated COPD incidence during the follow-up period was not different between the erosive reflux esophagitis and control groups.ConclusionIn patients with normal lung function, the presence of erosive reflux esophagitis did not affect the annual declines in FEV₁ or FVC.     

Bio-banding in academy football: player’s perceptions of a maturity matched tournament

Abstract

Background: Individual differences in biological maturation impact player selection and development in youth football.

Aim: To evaluate players perceptions of competing in a football tournament where they were matched by maturity rather than chronological age.

Subjects: Participants included male junior footballers from three professional academies (n?=?115).

Methods: The study employed multiple methods of analysis, including one sample mean t-tests, equivalence tests, ANOVAs, and thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from open-ended questions.

Results and conclusions: Player’s perceived the bio-banding format as providing two main benefits. Early maturing players perceived greater physical and technical challenge, and in turn new opportunities and challenges. Late maturing players perceived less physical and technical challenge, yet greater opportunity to demonstrate technical and tactical abilities. The players reported that they enjoyed and understood the purpose of the bio-banded format, and perceived less risk for injury. Players in all three maturity groups reported more opportunity to engage in leadership behaviours, influence game-play, and express themselves on the ball in the bio-banded format. Bio-banding may facilitate development for both early and late maturing academy players by presenting new learning environments and challenges.     

17q12-21 and asthma: interactions with early-life environmental exposures

Background17q12-21 polymorphisms are associated with asthma presence and severity across different populations.ObjectiveTo extensively investigate the genes in this region among Croatian schoolchildren in a case-control study, taking account of early-life environmental exposures.MethodsWe included 423 children with asthma and 414 controls aged 5 to 18 years. Fifty-one haplotype tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped (GSDMA, GSDMB, ORMDL3, IKZF3, ZPBP2, and TOP2). Data on exposure to smoking and furry pet ownership were collected using a validated questionnaire. Information on severe asthma exacerbations with hospital admission were retrieved from hospital notes. All patients underwent spirometry.ResultsWe found 2 SNPs (1 novel rs9635726 in IKZF3) to be associated with asthma. Among children with asthma, 4 SNPs (in ZPBP2, GSDMB, and GSDMA) were associated with hospital admissions and 8 SNPs with lung function. One SNP (rs9635726) remained significantly associated with a predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second after false discovery rate correction. Nine markers across 5 genes showed interaction with early-life environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in relation to asthma and 2 with furry pet ownership. Among children with asthma, we observed significant interactions between early-life ETS exposure and 3 SNPs for lung function and among early-life ETS exposure, 3 SNPs (in ORMDL3 and GSDMA), and hospital admission with asthma exacerbation. Three SNPs (in ORMDL3) interacted with current furry pet ownership in relation to hospital admissions for asthma exacerbation.ConclusionOur results indicate that several genes in the 17q12-21 region may be associated with asthma. This study confirms that environmental exposures may need to be included into the genetic association studies.     

Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Football: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019

ContextFootball is among the most popular collegiate sports in the United States, and participation in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football has risen in recent years.BackgroundContinued monitoring of football injuries is important for capturing the evolving burden of injuries in NCAA football. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of football-related injuries among men''s NCAA football players during the 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 academic years.MethodsExposure and injury data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios were used to examine differential injury rates.ResultsThe overall injury rate was 9.31 per 1000 athlete-exposures. Most injuries occurred during general play (17.5%), blocking (15.8%), and tackling (14.0%). Concussions (7.5%), lateral ligament complex tears (6.9%), and hamstring tears (4.7%) were the most commonly reported injuries.ConclusionsResults of this study were generally consistent with previous findings, though changes over time in rates of commonly reported injuries warrant attention. Continued monitoring of injury incidence is needed to appraise the effectiveness of recently implemented rules changes.     

Aspirin and tartrazine oral challenge: Incidence of adverse response in chronic childhood asthma

Reports of adverse response to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and tartrazine in asthma disagree widely on the incidence of these phenomena. The present study seeks to define these incidences for asthmatic children in a statistically acceptable, standardized, and simple fashion. Fifty-four chronic asthmatic children 10 to 17 yr of age underwent blinded oral provocation challenge with ASA, tartrazine, and placebo on separate days. The pulmonary function results were expressed in percent predicted units and the absolute change from the subject's baseline to ASA and tartrazine were compared to the normal variation encountered to placebo challenge. Five children developed sustained decreases of one-second forced expiratory volume (L) (FEV₁) or forced expiratory flow rate at 25% to 75% of effort (L/sec) (FEF_0.25–0.75) exceeding 2 SD of the group mean response to placebo following oral ASA; none did following tartrazine. Two additional patients included in this population sample were considered to have adverse pulmonary response (APR) by history and were consequently not challenged. There were no clinical or laboratory findings associated with APR to ASA. Adverse response to ASA is sufficiently common among our population of children with chronic asthma to warrant ASA avoidance, unless ASA therapy is needed for another condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which case careful provocation testing should be considered.     

Spirometric reference values in Estonian schoolchildren.

This study was conducted to describe the relationship between anthropometric parameters and lung function in Estonian children, to determine the reference values for spirometry, and to compare these results with other data sets. The results are based on 1170 healthy non-smoking children (643 girls and 527 boys), aged 6-18 years. The spiroanalyser Pneumoscreen II (Jaeger) was used to register dynamic lung parameters. Natural logarithmic values of lung volumes, standing or sitting height and age were used in the final regression model. Prediction equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory flows when 50 and 75% of FVC has been exhaled, and mean forced expiratory flow over the middle 50% of the FVC for both sexes are presented. In comparison with recent data from European children the reference values were close for FVC, the differences were bigger for FEV1 and forced expiratory flows, especially in taller children.     

Cord blood soluble Fas ligand linked to allergic rhinitis and lung function in seven-year-old children

BackgroundSerum or cord blood soluble Fas ligand (FasL) has been related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in cross-sectional and short-term follow-up studies. However, the association of cord blood soluble FasL with long-term allergic outcomes has seldom been investigated.MethodsThe Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children birth cohort study recruited healthy newborns upon delivery. At birth, blood was collected from the umbilical cords of these children, and the cord blood soluble Fas ligand levels were measured. At the age of seven years, the allergic outcome of each child was diagnosed by pediatric allergists and pulmonologists. Tests were conducted to measure the specific immunoglobulin E, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and pulmonary function levels of each child.ResultsCord blood soluble FasL levels were higher in seven-year-old children with allergic rhinitis (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p = 0.012) and expiratory airway obstruction (the highest forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity < 90%, OR = 2.11, p = 0.022). The FeNO and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific immunoglobulin E levels of seven-year-old children were positively correlated with cord blood soluble FasL levels (p = 0.006 and 0.02, respectively).ConclusionIn this birth cohort, the cord blood soluble FasL levels were associated with allergic rhinitis, obstructive-type lung function, FeNO, and house dust mite sensitization in 7-year-old children. The cord blood soluble FasL level might be used as a predictor for allergic diseases in children who are 7 years old.     

Psychosocial Factors in Athletic Injuries: Development and Application of the Social and Athletic Readjustment Rating Scale (SARRS)

Abstract

The possible role of psychosocial factors in athletics, namely football injuries, is examined. Initially Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) was modified to the Social and Athletic Readjustment Scale (SARRS). Additions to the scale and differences in football players from the general population are discussed. Life change scores over one- and two-year intervals were obtained for college varsity football players. Players suffering major time loss injuries had significantly higher predictive scores than noninjured players.     

Tiotropium in children and adolescents with asthma

BackgroundAsthma is a major cause of morbidity in children, despite the availability of various treatments. In adults, tiotropium—a long-acting muscarinic antagonist—as add-on therapy to an inhaled corticosteroid with or without a long-acting β₂-agonist provides clinical benefit with a safety profile similar to placebo.ObjectiveTo review published evidence on the efficacy and safety of tiotropium as add-on a long-acting muscarinic antagonist therapy in children and adolescents with asthma that is uncontrolled despite use of an inhaled corticosteroid with or without additional controller medication(s).MethodsWe searched PubMed from inception until June 12, 2018, for randomized controlled trials of children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years treated with tiotropium and reporting a primary outcome of any pulmonary function test and a secondary outcome of adverse events.ResultsOverall, 7 randomized controlled trials of 1902 preschool children (aged 1-5 years; n = 102), school-age children (aged 6-11 years; n = 905), and adolescents (aged 12-17 years; n = 895) with moderate to severe asthma were included in the analysis. Once-daily tiotropium (5, 2.5, or 1.25 μg) improved lung function parameters, including peak and trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second, vs placebo. Commonly reported adverse events across treatment groups included asthma worsening or exacerbations, decreased peak expiratory flow rate, nasopharyngitis, viral respiratory tract infection, and respiratory tract infection.ConclusionOnce-daily tiotropium as add-on therapy is efficacious and safe in adolescents and children with moderate to severe asthma. These results support the expanded indication by regulatory authorities for add-on tiotropium in patients 6 years or older.     

Early Results of a Helmetless-Tackling Intervention to Decrease Head Impacts in Football Players

ObjectiveTo test a helmetless-tackling behavioral intervention for reducing head impacts in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football players.DesignRandomized controlled clinical trial.SettingFootball field.Intervention(s)The intervention group participated in a 5-minute tackling drill without their helmets and shoulder pads twice per week in the preseason and once per week through the season. During this time, the control group performed noncontact football skills.ResultsHead impacts/AE decreased for the intervention group compared with the control group by the end of the season (9.99 ± 6.10 versus 13.84 ± 7.27, respectively). The intervention group had 30% fewer impacts/AE than the control group by season''s end (9.99 ± 6.10 versus 14.32 ± 8.45, respectively).ConclusionA helmetless-tackling training intervention reduced head impacts in collegiate football players within 1 season.Key Words: injury prevention, athletic injuries, head and neck injuries

Key Points

• Given proper training, education, and instruction, collegiate football players can safely perform supervised tackling and blocking drills in practice without helmets.
• Helmetless tackling eliminates the false sense of security a football player may feel when wearing a helmet.
• Younger football players and those with less experience may require modifications to the intervention to realize a positive effect. More research is needed on players at these levels before widespread implementation.

Head impacts in football players are directly associated with brain and spine injury, have been proposed to be associated with chronic injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and have become a national concern. High school and college football participants can experience more than 1000 head impacts in a single season.^1,2 Youth football players may sustain more than 100 impacts in a season, with linear acceleration greater than 80g reported.³ To mitigate the risk of head-impact injury, researchers, league officials, and administrators have sought to improve helmet technology, reduce the number of allowable contact practices, and alter game rules. Although each of these factors has merit, none directly address the common fundamental cause: impacts to the head. In fact, current efforts directed at improving helmet technology may promote a false sense of security⁴ and perpetuate the use of the head as a point of contact during play.^1,5To directly address these concerns, we initiated a study to investigate the effectiveness of a helmetless-tackling behavioral intervention to reduce head-impact exposure in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football program. We share important findings on our primary variable of interest after the first year of data collection.     

Effect of low-intensity continuous training on lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness in both cigarette and hookah smokers

Background

The decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function was higher in smokers. Training method could mitigate some of the negative consequences of smoking among smokers unable or unwilling to quit.

Objective

To examine the effects of continuous training on lungs functional capability and cardiorespiratory fitness in smokers.

Methods

Fifteen cigarette smokers, 14 hookah smokers, and 14 nonsmokers were assigned to low-intensity continuous training (20–30 minutes of running at 40% of maximum oxygen uptake (O₂max)). Lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were determined using respectively spirometer and treadmill maximal exercise test.

Results

Continuous training improved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50 %) in all participants, smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). In contrast, forced vital capacity (FVC) improvement was significant only among cigarette smokers (CS) (+1.7±2.21%, p < 0.01) and hookah smokers (HS) (+1.3±1.7 %, p < 0.05). Likewise, an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in both smokers groups without significant changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for CS group and in velocity at maximum oxygen uptake (vO₂max) for HS group.

Conclusion

The low-intensity continuous training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. It seems to be beneficial in the prevention programs of hypertension. It could have important implications in prevention and treatment programs in smokers unable or unwilling to quit.