Physical activity improves cardiovascular capacity and prevents decline in lung function caused by smoking: Efficacy of the intermittent and continuous training Program

Abstract

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the potential benefits of both intermittent and continuous training programs in improving cardiovascular parameters and decreased decline in lung function among cigarette or hookah smokers. Methods Fifteen cigarette smokers (CS), 14 hookah smokers (HS), and 14 non-smokers (NS) participated in the low-intensity continuous training (LCT). Eleven CS, 12 HS, and 12 NS participated in the moderate-intensity intermittent training (MIT). The LCT groups performed a 20 to 30-minute continuous exercise at 40% of the VO2max. The MIT groups performed 6 to 10 sets of 2-minute sprint at 70% of the VO2max interspersed by a 1-min recovery period. Before and after 12 weeks of training, lung function and cardiovascular capacity parameters were determined using respectively spirometry and maximal treadmill exercise test. Results The LCT and the MIT programs induced significant increases in the velocity at maximum oxygen uptake v V ˙ O 2 max for NS and CS participants. Similarly, the VO2max improvement was significant for CS and HS groups who participated in the LCT program (P Conclusion In conclusion, both LCT and MIT programs improve cardiovascular capacity and reduce lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. These both training programs could have important implications in prevention and defense programs.