The Effects Of Transdermal Nicotine Patch On Cardiorespiratory Responses During Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

The cardiorespiratory responses and performance during aerobic exercise can be altered by an acute tobacco smoking due to the effects of carbon monoxide and nicotine. To date, many studies have focused on the effects of carbon monoxide with the main effect including decreased oxygen delivery, and thus performance. The effect of nicotine per se on the cardiorespiratory responses during exercise, however, remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of transdermal nicotine patch on cardiorespiratory responses during aerobic exercise. METHODS: Four healthy male non-smokers aged 23-26 year-old exercised for 20 minutes on a cycle ergometer at a constant intensity (5% body weight kp) and cadence of 60 rpm on two occasions. Subjects were administered either none (control) or a 14 mg transdermal nicotine patch 10 hours before the exercise in a randomized cross-over method; with the patch attached on the left chest until the completion of the exercise. We measured the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), minute ventilation (VE), volume of oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (La). RESULTS: The mean HR for both conditions during the current exercise protocol was 152.8 bpm, which was equivalent approximately to 75% of the age-predicted HRmax. None of the measured variables differed between the control and nicotine patch conditions: HR = 153.2 vs. 152.4 bpm; SBP = 175.6 vs. 179.6 mmHg; VE = 95.2 vs. 88.9 l/min; VO2 = 38.9 vs. 39.4; RER = 1.02 vs. 0.96; La = 5.45 vs. 6.17 mmol/l, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A 14 mg transdermal nicotine administration didn't alter cardiorespiratory responses during a constant intensity aerobic exercise.