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E-Cigarettes Linked to Poor Athletic Performance, Similar to Smoking

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A recent study revealed that e-cigarettes significantly impair athletic performance, similar to traditional cigarettes.

An image to aid in understanding the article. E-cigarettes / Pixabay

Dr Azmy Faisal and his team from Manchester Metropolitan University presented their findings at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) conference in Vienna, Austria. The study compared the athletic performance of e-cigarette users, traditional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers.

The research team involved 60 participants in their 20s with normal lung function. The group included 20 non-smokers, 20 e-cigarette users with at least two years of use, and 20 traditional cigarette smokers for the same duration.

The results showed that e-cigarette users had a maximum exercise capacity of 186 watts, significantly lower than non-smokers (226 watts) and comparable to traditional smokers at 182 watts.

Additionally, oxygen consumption per minute at maximum exertion was comparable between e-cigarette users (2.7 liters) and traditional smokers (2.6 liters), while non-smokers reached 3 liters per minute.

Both e-cigarette users and traditional smokers reported shortness of breath and severe muscle fatigue before reaching their exercise limits, with elevated blood lactate levels indicating muscle fatigue.

Blood tests and ultrasound examinations revealed that both e-cigarette users and traditional smokers showed signs of reduced vascular function compared to non-smokers.

Dr Faisal commented: “In this study, we looked at a group of young people with no apparent signs of lung damage. Among the people who had been vaping or smoking for at least two years, we saw important differences in how well they coped with exercise. The smokers and the vapers had measurably excess breathing while using the exercise bikes. They found it harder to breathe, their muscles became more fatigued, and they were less fit overall. In this regard, our research indicated that vaping is no better than smoking.”

Dr. Filippos Filippidis from Imperial College London, who did not participate in the study, commented that e-cigarettes are often sold cheaply in various flavors, which attracts younger consumers who may start using them without understanding the long-term health implications.

He also noted that while it is challenging to determine whether the associations identified in the study are directly causal or influenced by other factors, users of e-cigarettes should be aware that vaping could potentially impair athletic performance.

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