Abstract
English:
Background
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes), alternative nicotine delivery systems, were initially promoted as safer substitutes for conventional tobacco products. Reduced handgrip strength is frequently associated with diminished respiratory capacity, making it a practical surrogate for assessing respiratory status.
Objective
The current study aimed to evaluate the functional aerobic exercise capacity and upper limbs muscle performance among vape users (VU) compared to combustible cigarette smokers and non-smokers (NS), providing valuable insights into the potential risks of vape smoking.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 120 apparently healthy male participants, evenly divided into three groups of 40 each: group 1, composed of electronic cigarettes (vapes users), group 2 included combustible cigarette smokers and group 3 included NS. The participants underwent the measurement of handgrip strength, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the measurement of dyspnoea utilising the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis.
Results
NS showed greater performance values for handgrip strength (33.5 ± 1.9 kg), distance achieved during the 6MWT (509.6 ± 46.3 m) and mMRC score (0.8 ± 0.4). VU had intermediate levels of performance for handgrip strength (26.3 ± 1.8 kg), and the distance achieved during the 6MWT (481.5 ± 47.8 m), whereas smokers showed the lowest level of performance for both handgrip strength (22.9 ± 1.7 kg) and the distance achieved during the 6MWT (437.8 ± 51.9 m), compared to the other three groups (P < 0.001 for both). VU used their devices for a shorter period of time (10.5 years) compared to smokers (22.8 years), yet they used higher levels of nicotine (45.0 mg/day), compared to the smoking group (28.8 mg/day).
Conclusion
The present study challenges the misconception of vaping as a harmless substitute for combustible cigarettes. It decreases exercise capacity and worsens muscular function, similarly to cigarette smoking.