Associations between Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Respiratory Health in Children

Abstract

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are associated with a plethora of positive health effects. Many UK children fail to meet the recommended level of PA, with an observed decline in CRF levels over recent decades. Second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) is responsible for a significant proportion of the worldwide burden of disease, but little is understood regarding the impact of SHS exposure on CRF and PA in children. The aim of this study was to test the associations between SHS exposure and CRF, PA, and respiratory health in children. Method: Children (9–11 years) from UK primary schools in deprived areas participated (n = 104, 38 smoking households). Surveys determined household smoking, and exhaled carbon monoxide was used to indicate children’s recent SHS exposure. CRF (VO2peak) was assessed via maximal treadmill protocol using breath-by-breath analysis. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and spirometry were utilised as indicators of respiratory health. Results: Linear regression models demonstrated that SHS exposure was negatively associated with allometrically scaled VO2peak (B = −3.8, p = 0.030) but not PA or respiratory health. Conclusion: The results indicate that SHS is detrimental to children’s CRF; given that approximately one-third of children are regularly exposed to SHS, this important finding has implications for both public health and the sport and exercise sciences.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure, School Engagement, School Success, and Afterschool Activity Participation Among US Children

“…[5][6][7] Additionally, there is evidence that TSE is associated with a number of neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems, cognitive deficits, as well as decreased academic performance and declines in overall health and physical fitness. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Given the myriad of illnesses and conditions that are associated with TSE, prior research indicates that school-aged children who live with tobacco smokers may have decreased school engagement and school activity participation because of frequent school absences and TSE-related symptoms, conditions, and other consequences. 9,11,14,15 School engagement is a multifaceted construct consisting of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional dimensions.…”

“…TSE, defined as SHS and/or THS exposure, is associated with many known adverse pediatric health consequences such as asthma, otitis media, and viral illnesses 5‐7 . Additionally, there is evidence that TSE is associated with a number of neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems, cognitive deficits, as well as decreased academic performance and declines in overall health and physical fitness 8‐14 …”

“…5 , 6 , 7 Additionally, there is evidence that TSE is associated with a number of neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems, cognitive deficits, as well as decreased academic performance and declines in overall health and physical fitness. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 …”