INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking has been reported to be higher among deployed military men than among similarly aged civilian or nondeployed men, but the short-term effect of smoking on physical fitness among these young healthy men is unclear. This study examined self-reported smoking status and change in objectively measured fitness over 1-4 years while controlling for body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This study included a large sample of male U.S. navy personnel who deployed to Iraq or Kuwait between 2005 and 2008. A mixed modeling procedure was used to determine factors contributing to longitudinal changes in both BMI and fitness (measured by run/walk times, curl-ups, and push-ups). RESULTS: Of the total sample (n = 18,537), the 20% current smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to be enlisted, younger, and have lower BMI measurements at baseline. In addition, smokers had slower 1.5-mile run/walk times and could do fewer curl-ups and push-ups compared with nonsmokers. The run/walk time model indicated that over 4 years, smokers (compared with nonsmokers) experienced a significantly greater rate of decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, even after controlling for changes in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These results call for continued attention to the problem of nicotine use among young healthy men.
INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking has been reported to be higher among deployed military men than among similarly aged civilian or nondeployed men, but the short-term effect of smoking on physical fitness among these young healthy men is unclear. This study examined self-reported smoking status and change in objectively measured fitness over 1-4 years while controlling for body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This study included a large sample of male U.S. navy personnel who deployed to Iraq or Kuwait between 2005 and 2008. A mixed modeling procedure was used to determine factors contributing to longitudinal changes in both BMI and fitness (measured by run/walk times, curl-ups, and push-ups). RESULTS: Of the total sample (n = 18,537), the 20% current smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to be enlisted, younger, and have lower BMI measurements at baseline. In addition, smokers had slower 1.5-mile run/walk times and could do fewer curl-ups and push-ups compared with nonsmokers. The run/walk time model indicated that over 4 years, smokers (compared with nonsmokers) experienced a significantly greater rate of decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, even after controlling for changes in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: These results call for continued attention to the problem of nicotine use among young healthy men.