The Impact of Nicotine on the Body
Nicotine functions as a stimulant by enhancing the release of norepinephrine and inhibiting its reuptake. This action activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in an increased heart rate at rest and elevated blood pressure.
Additionally, nicotine has been shown to enhance cognitive functions, including concentration, attention, and working memory, while also promoting the increased release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable sensations. These effects contribute to the development of addiction.
Nicotine can be ingested not only through the smoking of tobacco but also through its application to the mucous membranes (as in the case of snus or snuff) and via nicotine replacement therapies, such as tablets, gum, patches, and sprays. Athletes often utilize these alternative forms of nicotine in the belief that they confer certain positive effects. However, since the majority of individuals obtain nicotine through cigarette smoking, this discussion will primarily focus on smoking.
The Effects of Smoking on Overall Endurance
While smoking increases resting heart rate, cardiac contractility, and cardiac output (the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute), one might assume that it would enhance aerobic exercise performance. However, this is not the case.
Following smoking, the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the bloodstream rises, which binds to hemoglobin and inhibits its capacity to transport oxygen. Consequently, smokers’ bodies are less efficient in oxygen delivery, adversely affecting athletic performance.
This inefficiency is particularly significant in sports that predominantly engage the leg muscles, such as running, cycling, skiing, and skating. A study comparing the effects of smoking on endurance during arm and leg exercises revealed that individuals who smoked prior to leg pedaling experienced significantly faster fatigue compared to non-smokers, while no substantial difference was observed during arm exercises.
The underlying reason for this discrepancy lies in the greater proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers in the legs, which require oxygen for optimal function. Therefore, the oxygen deprivation resulting from smoking markedly diminishes performance capabilities, leading to quicker fatigue and reduced output.
The Effects of Smoking on Strength Training
The impact of smoking on strength training is less pronounced than in endurance sports. In fact, smokers may exhibit a slight increase in their ability to voluntarily contract their muscles; however, this does not translate into enhanced force production.
Research has indicated no significant differences in maximum strength, muscle mass, muscle contractility, muscle capillary volume, or short-term muscular endurance between smokers and non-smokers. However, disparities emerge in strength endurance—the capacity to exert force over extended periods—where smokers demonstrate a faster rate of muscle fatigue compared to non-smokers. This phenomenon is believed to be linked to a reduction in the activity of cytochrome oxidase, an enzyme critical for energy production within cellular mitochondria. A study involving twins with identical genetic profiles, muscle mass, and strength revealed that the muscles of smoking siblings fatigued more rapidly than those of their non-smoking counterparts.
Thus, while heavy weightlifting with low repetitions may not be adversely affected by smoking, high-repetition training will likely yield diminished performance compared to non-smokers. This effect is consistent across genders, daily cigarette consumption, and duration of smoking; smokers will experience faster muscle fatigue.
On a positive note, the activity of cytochrome oxidase tends to return to normal levels within 7 to 28 days following cessation of smoking.
The Impact of Alternative Forms of Nicotine on Athletic Performance
Many athletes, particularly those involved in team sports such as hockey, American football, and baseball, consume nicotine in non-smoking forms, anticipating an ergogenic effect. However, a meta-analysis examining the effects of nicotine on athletic performance found no significant benefits. Of the 16 studies reviewed, only two reported improvements: one indicated a 17% increase in endurance, while another noted a 6% increase in peak torque. The remaining studies found no discernible effects.
It is important to note that these studies involved individuals without nicotine addiction, and even in this population, nicotine exhibited minimal impact. For those accustomed to this stimulant, one should not expect any substantial effects.
This may explain why the World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit the use of nicotine; its lack of efficacy renders such a ban unnecessary.
Is It Possible to Smoke and Engage in Sports?
If cessation is an option, it is advisable to quit smoking, as this will positively influence both productivity and overall health. However, for those unable to quit at this time, engaging in physical activity remains beneficial.
Exercise can mitigate the heightened risk of life-threatening diseases associated with smoking, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. While any form of physical activity may not directly facilitate smoking cessation, it can nonetheless contribute to a reduction in associated health risks.
