Comparison of functional and upper extremity exercise capacity and pulmonary function and fatigue severity in young adult smokers and non-smokers”

Authors : Basak Kavalcı Kol, Figen Tuncay
Pages : 1329-1338
Doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1727645
View : 86 | Download : 155
Publication Date : 2025-12-24
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Smoking addiction is important and widespread problems that threaten public health. As exposure to cigarettes increases, various diseases occur in later period due to their effects on pulmonary functions. In individuals who smoke, the effects of smoking occur in the short, and long term. Studies on how smoking affects pulmonary functions and exercise capacity in young individuals in the short term are limited. This study aims to compare exercise capacity, pulmonary functions and fatigue in current smokers and non-smokers. The study included 16 smokers and 16 non-smokers individuals. Individuals\\\' smoking exposure and demographic data were recorded. The functional exercise capacity (incremental shuttle walk test), upper extremity exercise capacity (six minute peg board and ring test), pulmonary functions (spirometry), and fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale) were evaluated and compared. Demographic characteristics of individuals in smokers and non-smokers groups were similar (p>0.05). Incremental shuttle walk test distance and percentage of expected and VO2peak predicted value, FEV1(%), FVC(L), FVC(%), FEV1/FVC(%), FEF25-75% (%) values of individuals in smoker group were statistically significantly lower compared to non-smokers (p<0.05) and fatigue severity scale score was higher (p=0.008). Compared with non-smokers, exercise capacity and pulmonary function were reduced and fatigue perception was increased in current smokers. Health professionals should raise awareness among individuals about the short term effects of smoking on pulmonary functions and exercise capacity. They should be directed to smoking cessation programs to preserve cardiorespiratory endurance, and the importance of exercise training should be emphasized.
Keywords : Egzersiz kapasitesi, Sigara bağımlılığı Solunum fonksiyon testleri, Yorgunluk

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