Characteristics of Physically Active Smokers and Implications for Harm Reduction

Abstract

Skepticism persists regarding the practicality and potential risks of promoting physical activity as a harm-reduction strategy for tobacco use. We found that a modest proportion of the daily smoking population was physically active and that engagement in this behavior was related to greater cessation attempts. Interventions could be developed that target smokers who are likely to adopt physical activity.

A pilot randomised trial to assess the methods and procedures for evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Exercise Assisted Reduction then Stop (EARS) among disadvantaged smokers

“…However, given the potential mechanisms for how physical activity may be beneficial and the need to consider behavioural approaches to helping smokers to cut down, and possibly quit, the proposed study seeks to provide the first scientific study on using PA for smoking reduction, then as an aid for quitting if a quit attempt is made. Given that physically active smokers are more likely to have attempted cessation in the past year, than inactive smokers [49] , it seems justified to explore if helping smokers to become physically active will lead to more quit attempts and successful quitting. In the context of health behaviour change for 'hard to reach' smokers support to overcome environmental, financial, social, cognitive and emotional barriers to increase PA and reduce smoking will be needed.…”

“…1 Anecdotal evidence suggests that attempting to modify diet and PA while quitting is not detrimental to successfully quitting and can be facilitative. 28,49 However, an integrative approach has not been developed or evaluated for disadvantaged smokers who do not wish to quit abruptly, but do want to reduce smoking.…”

An Exploratory Analysis of the Smoking and Physical Activity Outcomes From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Exercise Assisted Reduction to Stop Smoking Intervention in Disadvantaged Groups

“…Epidemiological data suggesting that physically active smokers are more likely to attempt to quit 19,20 raises the possibility that physical activity could facilitate smoking reduction and cessation induction, among those who do not wish to quit immediately. There are several ways in which an increase in physical activity may putatively facilitate smoking reduction at Bodleian Library on http://ntr.oxfordjournals.org/…”

Change in Body Weight Does Not Mediate the Relationship Between Exercise and Smoking Cessation Among Weight-Concerned Women Smokers

“…Indeed, physically active smokers tend to have lower nicotine dependence and are more likely to attempt cessation than sedentary smokers. 45 Thus, physically active smokers may be less vulnerable to nicotine withdrawal and more motivated to achieve cessation than sedentary smokers. It further remains unclear whether physically active and sedentary smokers benefit similarly from exercise during quit attempts.…”