Does cigarette smoking affect the fitness of young adults? Rationale and protocol for future research.

While there is considerable evidence of the direct effects of cigarette smoking upon the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, one result of impaired function, that is how cigarette smoking affects fitness and athletic performance, has not been well documented. Because of the potential impact that exercise might have as a substitute for smoking, it is important to delineate relationships, particularly for those who are just beginning to smoke. Literature is presented as a rationale for research in this area and results of a pilot study on smokers and non-smokers are reported. A number of trends in the fitness and pulmonary function tests emerged, suggesting this line of research be pursued.