YOUNG people who vape demonstrated worse exercise performance compared to non-vapers, according to a study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria, held from 7–11th September 2024. The study also revealed that vapers’ exercise capacity is similar to that of young smokers, challenging the perception that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking.
This research has added to the growing body of evidence about the negative long-term effects of vaping. “We don’t yet know what longer-term vaping use does to our bodies,” commented the study’s lead author, highlighting that while some studies have previously suggested that vaping can help reduce smoking, its impact on health remains concerning.
The study involved 60 participants in their 20s, all with normal lung function. Of these, 20 participants were non-smokers and non-vapers, 20 had been vaping for at least 2 years, and another 20 had been smoking for at least 2 years. All participants completed an incremental exercise test on a static bike, a gold-standard method for assessing physical fitness.
Results showed that young vapers had lower peak exercise capacity (186 watts) than non-vapers (226 watts), with vapers performing similarly to smokers (182 watts). Moreover, at peak exercise, both vapers and smokers consumed less oxygen (2.7 and 2.6 litres per minute, respectively) than the non-vaping group (3 litres per minute).
Researchers also found that blood vessels in smokers and vapers functioned less effectively, leading to increased breathlessness, muscle fatigue, and higher lactate levels during exercise. The team emphasised that their research “indicated that vaping is no better than smoking.”
Filippos Filippidis, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, cautioned that young people are increasingly taking up vaping without knowing the long-term risks, despite data such as these presented at ERS 2024. He called for greater awareness among doctors, policymakers, and young people about the health consequences of vaping.
Victoria Antoniou, EMJ
Reference
Faisal A et al. Detrimental effects of electronic cigarettes on vascular function and ventilatory efficiency during exercise. Abstract OA1954. ERS Congress, 7–11 September, 2024.
