Differences in back extensor muscles fatigability for smoking and non-smoking athletes

Adedoyin, RA, Mbada, CE, Odiachi, AM, Adegoke, BOA and Awotidebe, TO (2010) Differences in back extensor muscles fatigability for smoking and non-smoking athletes. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 18 (3). pp. 149-155. ISSN 0959-3020

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Abstract

Background and objective: Empirical research on the influence of smoking on musculoskeletal health in athletes is sparse. The objective of this study was to compare back extensor muscles' strength (BEMS) before and after a fatigue induction protocol among smoking and non smoking male athletes. A pretest-posttest design was used to determine the difference in BEMS between smoking (N=52) and non smoking (N=52) athletes aged 18 and 30. A back and leg dynamometer was used to quantify BEMS while repetitive prone chest raise test was used to induce fatigue of the back extensor muscles. The smoking (23.1 ± 2.9 years) and non-smoking athletes (23.2 ± 2.37 years) were comparable in age (p= 0.855). Smoking athletes exhibited a significantly higher rating of perceived exertion (p=0.007) and fatigue index (10.76% vs. 5.07%); and significant reduction in BEMS following fatigue induction (p < 0.05) compared with their non smoking counterparts. Smoking athletes have higher rates of muscular fatiguability and decreased back strength following back extensors tasks. Smoking is associated with increased muscle fatiguability and impairment of back strength in athletes.