Reduced skeletal muscle endurance and ventilatory efficiency during exercise in adult smokers without airflow obstruction
Ahmed Sadaka, Azmy Faisal, Yehia Khalil, Sahar Mourad, Mohamed Zidan, Michael I. Polkey, Nicholas S Hopkinson
Abstract
In adult smokers without airflow obstruction, the contributions of pulmonary and skeletal muscle functions to reduced exercise capacity are unclear. We found that non-COPD smokers had decreased exercise capacity and muscle endurance although strength was preserved compared with never-smoking controls. Exercise endurance was associated with quadriceps endurance and CO transfer factor. Despite similar physical activity levels, smokers developed leg fatigue, breathlessness, and displayed increased ventilation with reduced ventilatory efficiency at lower workloads, without exhibiting ventilatory constraint.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCOPDSkeletal muscleEndurance trainingVentilation (architecture)CardiologyPhysical therapyPhysical exerciseInternal medicinePhysical medicine and rehabilitationEngineeringMechanical engineeringChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ResearchRespiratory Support and MechanismsAir Quality and Health Impacts