VASOMOTOR RESPONSES OF CIGARETTE SMOKERS TO STIMULI USED IN SEVERAL VASCULAR RESPONSE TESTINGS

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the chronic effects of smoking on vasomotor responses in healthy male volunteers with 20 – 45 years of age and working at the Police General Hospital. The volunteers were divided without randomization into 2 groups of 10 smokers and 10 nonsmokers. Then, the left arm and left leg of both groups were stimulated by hot water (42⁰C) , cold water (12⁰C), aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise to legs.  Vasomotor responses, physical performance, and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) changes before and after some of the above stimulations were calculated. The results were that vasomotor responses of blood vessels of the upper and lower extremities in nonsmokers was significantly greater than in smokers after stimulation by hot water, cold water and aerobic exercise; and a significant reduction of ‘Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)’ in nonsmokers after both exercises was found, which was similar to vasomotor response found by volumeter. In conclusion, smoking is associated with reduction in many physical performances, psycho-neurological performances and vasomeotor responses. This may explain how smoking may relate to atherosclerotic changes of blood vessels and the severity may depend on duration and the amount of smoking.

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2012;12 (2):87 - 106)