Vaping, Smoking, and the Physical Fitness of Active Young Men

Adverse effects of cigarette smoking on physical performance are well studied. Because of the recent rise in popularity of vaping, it is important to evaluate its effect on fitness both independently and in conjunction with traditional cigarette use.

This was a secondary analysis performed in 2018 on data collected from U.S. Army Soldiers during 2016. All metrics were self-reported via an electronic questionnaire. Personal characteristics of current ENDS users, smokers, and dual users were compared with a reference group that reported no history of use. Adjusting for age and physical training habits, an ANCOVA was used to compare Army physical fitness test results. A Fisher's exact test determined specific mean differences between groups.

This study population consisted of 2,854 men aged 24.6 years on average. Differences in physical training and fitness were shown between the groups. Never users averaged the most total physical training, followed by ENDS users, smokers, and then dual users. Compared with never users on the fitness tests, ENDS users had an adjusted mean difference of +27 seconds on the 2-mile run, -4.56 push-ups, and -2.01 sit-ups; smokers averaged +8 seconds, -2.15 push-ups, and -1.44 sit-ups; and dual users averaged +32 seconds, -5.17 push-ups, and -3.88 sit-ups. Dual users had significantly (p<0.05) lower scores than current smokers and never users on all 3 fitness events.

This study suggests that individuals who use e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes average a lower level of fitness than individuals who abstain.