Effect of Water Pipe Smoking on Exercise Capacity Indices and Ventilatory Function among Saudi Adults

Purpose: Water pipe smoking is a type of smoking habit which has been practiced extensively for about 400 years. In recent years, there has been a revival of water pipe smoking, notably among adults. However, there is limited data about the effect of water pipe smoking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this habit on pulmonary function and exercise capacity indices among healthy Saudi adults. Procedures: Forty Saudi male subjects were selected. Their ages ranged from 18-25 years old. They were divided into two groups. In experimental group there were 20 subjects who were smoking water pipe (21.8±2.6) years while in the control group there were 20 subjects (20.6±1.9) years. After recording detailed personal and smoking habit information, all subjects performed pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Result: Statistical analysis showed significant reduction in pulmonary function test and exercise capacity indices variables (P=0.000), VC, FVC, FEV1, MVV, VO2 max among water pipe smokers than in non smokers. Conclusion: water pipe smoking has marked adverse effect on ventilatory functions and exercise performance in the adult water pipe smokers. An early alarming and special attention should be considered to aware this interval of the community. Objective evidence of an effect of water pipe smoking on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in this age group may assist educators and health care professionals in convincing adults to quit water pipe smoking