Peak exercise capacity is a measure of the maximum amount of physical exertion that a person can achieve.
At peak exercise, vapers and smokers were also less able to consume oxygen on average compared to the non-smoking non-vaping groups.
The blood tests and ultrasound scans revealed that both vapers and smokers showed signs that their blood vessels were not working as well as the non-smoking and non-vaping group,
The smokers and the vapers were more out of breath, experienced intense leg fatigue and had higher levels of lactate in their blood – a sign of muscle fatigue, even before they reached their maximum level of exercise.
Dr. Faisal, senior lecturer in cardiorespiratory physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “In this study, we looked at a group of young people with no apparent signs of lung damage.
“Among the people who had been vaping or smoking for at least two years, we saw important differences in how well they coped with exercise.”
He added: “The smokers and the vapers had measurably excess breathing while using the exercise bikes.
“They found it harder to breathe, their muscles became more fatigued, and they were less fit overall.
“In this regard, our research indicated that vaping is no better than smoking.”
The findings were presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Filippos Filippidis is Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, says people who vape should be made aware of the health implications of the habit.
Dr. Filippidis, a reader in public health at Imperial College London, said: “Vapes are being sold cheaply and in a variety of flavors to appeal to young people.
“As a result, we’re seeing more and more young people take up the habit without knowing what the long-term consequences could be to their health.
“Although it’s always a challenge to know if the associations we find in these studies are causal or a result of some other systematic differences between groups, people who vape need to be aware that using these products could make them less fit and able to take part in exercise.”
He added: “Doctors and policymakers also need to know about the risks of vaping, and we should be doing all we can to support children and young people to avoid or quit vaping.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
