Abstract

GARCIA, Ana I; PACHON, Alba L; GARAY, Patricia  and  SANTIAGO, Luis F. Analysis of aerobic fitness in apparently healthy young smokers. Rev. Colomb. Cardiol. [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.5, pp.294-300. ISSN 0120-5633.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccar.2014.05.002.

Background and objective: The habit of smoking is etiologically associated with different diseases of the respiratory system. It causes an accelerated decline of the ventilatory function and fitness. However, this relationship has been little explored in military population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the aerobic fitness in young male smokers, apparently healthy belonging to the Cadet School José María Córdova. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and transversal study was performed. 43 military subjects, apparently healthy, participated in the study: 21 participants were active smokers (12 months of exposition), and 22 subjects were no-smokers; mean age 19 ± 1.1 years. Aerobic fitness was calculated using the Course Navette test (Leger's test), as an indirect indicator of the maximal oxygen intake (VO_2max). Chronotropic response was analyzed in both groups. Results: Lower values of aerobic fitness were found in the smokers in relation to the non-smokers (44.1 ± 6.6 mL·kg^-1·min^-1vs. 56.6 ± 3.5 mL·kg^-1·min^-1; P = .0001). Non-smokers group showed a higher chronotropic response against the S group (167 ± 18 bpm vs. 155 ± 20 bpm; P = .05). Conclusion: Aerobic fitness in young military smokers was significantly lower than in the non-smokers group. Its early identification could bring benefits in the prevention of respiratory diseases, which are currently present in Colombia and are qualify as epidemic.

Keywords : Primary prevention; Smoking; Test.

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