Smokers lack motivation, feel more tired and are less active than non-smokers

While the results of smoking may be expected to decrease fitness, new research, published in Respirology, has found that smokers are less physically active, lack motivation and are more likely to suffer symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The research, led by Dr. Karina Furlanetto, from Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Brazil, is the first study to show that are less physically active than non-smokers.

60 smokers and 50 non-smokers were asked to wear a pedometer for a minimum of 12 hours per day, over 6 days. The results showed that smokers walked less on a daily basis. When their capacity to take long breaths was tested, their lung function was found to be reduced and this impacted their ability to exercise.

When smokers were asked to rate their own health-related quality of life they reported feeling more tired, and lacked the motivation to change their inactive behavior.

"To our knowledge, this is the first study that has demonstrated a reduction in the objectively measured level of in of adult smokers compared with non-smokers," said Dr. Furlanetto. "Besides presenting poorer lung function, exercise capacity, quality of life and symptoms of , smokers also walked less than non-smokers in daily life."

More information: K. Furlanetto, et al, 'Reduction of physical activityin daily life and its determinants in smokers without airflow obstruction', Respirology, DOI Number: 10.1111/resp.12236

Journal information: Respirology
Provided by Wiley
Citation: Smokers lack motivation, feel more tired and are less active than non-smokers (2014, February 4) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-02-smokers-lack-non-smokers.html
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