Long-term effects of a program to increase physical activity in smokers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Smoking Cessation

Background:

• Physical inactivity poses health risks, driving interest in programs promoting physical activity in daily life (PADL).
• Previous short-term studies showed pedometer-based interventions increased PADL in smokers with normal lung function.
• Long-term effects of such interventions on PADL in this population remained unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the 1-year follow-up results of a program designed to increase PADL in smokers with normal lung function.
• To determine the long-term sustainability of improvements in physical activity, exercise capacity, and psychological well-being.

Main Methods:

• A 5-month intervention program using pedometers and educational materials was implemented.
• Twenty-four smokers (mean age 51 years) were assessed at baseline, post-program, and 1-year follow-up.
• Assessments included PADL, lung function, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), smoking habits, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• Improvements in PADL (steps/day) and 6MWD were maintained at the 1-year follow-up.
• Reductions in anxiety and depression scores were also sustained one year post-intervention.
• Notably, 20% of participants successfully quit smoking by the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A 5-month program effectively enhances daily physical activity, exercise capacity, and mental health in smokers with normal lung function.
• These positive effects demonstrate long-term sustainability one year after program completion.
• The intervention shows potential as a strategy to aid smoking cessation in this demographic.