ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess the effects of smoking and the degree of nicotine dependence on aerobic capacity in smokers undergoing endurance training. METHODS: 126 smokers aged between 18 and 31 years playing in the football teams of the Congolese first (n = 64) and second divisions (n = 64) co-operated voluntarily in the study. Aerobic capacity was determined by Cooper's running test. Absolute VO2max and that related to body weight were subsequently calculated. The degree of nicotine dependence of each subject was assessed by the Fagerstrom questionnaire. A control group consisted of 125 non-smokers playing at the same level. RESULTS: The values of VO2max achieved by the smokers were significantly less (p < 0.05) than those achieved by the non-smokers. The first division players had a higher aerobic capacity than the second division players. Moreover the analysis of variance showed an influence of nicotine dependence on aerobic capacity. The subjects who were heavily dependent on nicotine had lower VO2max values than those less dependent. Moreover for the same level of dependence there were differences between the first and second division players. CONCLUSION: The inhalation of tobacco smoke leads to an alteration in aerobic capacity. This is directly influenced bythe degree of nicotine dependence whatever the level of training of the subject.
