Effects of upper body resistance training on pulmonary functions in sedentary male smokers

Abstract

Background:Cigarette smoking is well correlated with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is common among men than women in India. In addition, sedentary lifestyle is associated with less efficient pulmonary function. Effectiveness of upper body resistance training (UBRT) in improving pulmonary function is unclear. Keeping all these factors in view, this study aims to examine the effect of UBRT on pulmonary function in male sedentary smokers.Materials and Methods:This study recruited 36 sedentary male smokers, of which 30 were randomized into two groups after fulfilling eligibility criteria-an exercising experimental group (EG) (N=15) or non-exercising control group (CG) (N=15). The EG group were assigned to exercise for 4 weeks, 3 times weekly on non-consecutive days using UBRT program and breathing exercise. In the CG, only breathing exercise was given for 10 min. Both groups were equivalent in baseline characteristics.Results:The improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) values were seen significant in EG after 4 weeks of UBRT: from 3.62±0.56 to 3.96±0.51 (P=0.000) and 0.88±0.11 to 0.96±0.13 (P<0.001), respectively. But FVC did not show significant change in the EG (P=0.430). There were no significant changes in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC values in CG after 4 weeks of intervention. On intergroup comparison, significant difference was found between CG and EG for FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values.Conclusion:Four weeks of UBRT program brought about significant changes in the pulmonary function in male sedentary smokers.

A laboratory-based evaluation of exercise plus contingency management for reducing cigarette smoking

“…For example, unlike other smoking cessation treatments (NRT, cognitive behavioral therapy), exercise reduces the risk of various smoking-related diseases (Type 2 diabetes, arterial stiffness, low bone mineral density, Linke et al, 2013;Singh et al, 2011;inflammation, Korhonen et al, 2011;COPD, Garcia-Aymerich et al, 2007) and increases cardiovascular fitness (maximum oxygen consumption [V O 2 max]); Korhonen et al, 2011), even among smokers who do not achieve complete abstinence during exercise-based interventions. In addition, neuroimaging research indicates that exercise activates brain reward circuitry and releases neurotransmitters purportedly responsible for smoking reward (epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine; Boecker et al, 2008;Bortz et al, 1981), which suggests that exercise may function as a rewarding substitute for smoking.…”

Effectiveness of the physical activity promotion programme on the quality of life and the cardiopulmonary function for inactive people: Randomized controlled trial

“…In a recent study, all pulmonary function parameters except FEV 1 /FVC improved significantly (p < 0.0001) in both yoga and swimming groups [39]. Besides, better pulmonary functions in subjects performing yoga as well as swimming are documented [4,40].…”

“…Statistically significant changes in pulmonary function of FEV 1 /FVC and FEV 1 values in people who performed regularly physical activity compared with sedentary people were shown [4]. Apart from that, the participants performed a four-week program who found statistically significant changes in FEV 1 and FEV 1 /FVC (3.96 vs. 0.96, p = 0.001), but there were no statistically significant changes in the FVC value (4.13, p = 0.43) [39]. This program included upper limb resistive exercises for thirty minutes, supplemented with ten minutes of breathing exercises [39].…”

Efficacy of resistance training as an aid to smoking cessation: Rationale and design of the Strength To Quit study

“…Other research has shown that there is a significant association between resistance training and increased quality of sleep (Yang, Ho, Chen & Chien, 2012); and the effects of resistance training on metabolism and body composition have been rigorously tested and are well established (Strasser, Siebert, & Schobersberger, 2010). In addition to these potential positive effects, the health benefits gained from resistance training could also be particularly helpful for smokers, as resistance training has been shown to improve lung function (Singh, Jani, John, Singh, & Joseley, 2011), blood lipids (Kelley & Kelley, 2009), and blood glucose control (Strasser, Siebert, & Schobersberger, 2010). All of these factors are known indicators of disease risk that are also significantly associated with smoking (USDHHS, 2014).…”

“…Resistance training can improve lung functioning (Singh, Jani, John, Singh, & Joseley, 2011) and is therefore monitored in this study. Lung function is assessed using a portable spirometer (Spirobank G Spirometer, Medical International Research, Inc., Waukesha, WI, USA).…”