The Impact of Smoking on Maximum Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This systematic literature review summarizes the impact of smoking on maximal oxygen uptake (maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ ).

METHODS:

Full-text articles were retrieved if the abstract met the assigned criteria. A total of 9 articles were included in the final review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included articles assessed the effects of tobacco smoking on maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ values.

RESULTS:

Half of the articles reported a significant difference in maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ scores between smokers and nonsmokers, with smokers having a lower maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ . The other half of the articles did not identify significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers. One study found a significant difference in maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ in only one age group (ie, 20–29 y), but not any of the other age groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

More research is needed on the effects of smoking on maximum ${\dot{\mathbf{V}}}_{{\mathbf{\text{O}}}_{\mathbf{2}}}$ to better understand any relationships or causations.