Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Test and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Smoking and Non-Smoking University Students

Abstract

Objective

This study was conducted to compare pulmonary function and peripheral muscle strength in smoking and non-smoking university students.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected from 120 volunteer university students aged between 18 and 25 years, who were divided into two groups regardless of gender after their smoking status had been determined. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand and Six-Minute Walk tests to assess peripheral muscle strength. These tests were applied to both smoking and non-smoking groups.

Results

According to GLI 2012 reference values, female non-smokers exhibited significantly higher FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC z-scores compared to female smokers (p<0.001 and p=0.008, respectively), whereas no significant differences were observed among males. No significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers in peripheral muscle strength tests overall; however, gender-specific analyses revealed significant differences in some tests.

Conclusion

Significant differences were found in some pulmonary function tests between smoking and non-smoking university students, while no overall difference was observed in peripheral muscle strength. Gender-based subgroup analyses suggested varying effects on muscle strength and pulmonary function. Developing targeted smoking awareness programs for university students is important for public health.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund und Ziel

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, die Lungenfunktion und periphere Muskelkraft bei Studentinnen und Studenten, die rauchen versus nicht rauchen, zu vergleichen.

Material und Methode

120 Studentinnen und Studenten im Alter von 18 bis 25 Jahren, die freiwillig an der Untersuchung teilnahmen, wurden unabhängig vom Geschlecht nach ihrem Raucherstatus in zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt. Zur Erfassung der soziodemographischen Daten wurde ein Formular verwendet, die Lungenfunktion wurde mittels Spirometrie geprüft und die Erfassung der peripheren Muskelkraft erfolgte mittels 5x Sit-to-Stand-Test und Sechs-Minuten-Gehttest. Die Tests wurden in der Raucher- und der Nichtraucher-Gruppe durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Gemäß den Referenzwerten der Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 fanden sich bei Nichtraucherinnen signifikant höhere FEV₁- und FEV₁/FVC-Z-Scores im Vergleich zu Raucherinnen (p<0,001 bzw. p=0,008), wohingegen sich bei Männern keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen Rauchern und Nichtrauchern fanden. Zwischen Rauchern und Nichtrauchern wurden insgesamt keine signifikanten Unterschiede bei den Tests zur peripheren Muskelkraft beobachtet. Allerdings ergaben geschlechtsspezifische Analysen bei einigen Tests signifikante Unterschiede.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei einigen Lungenfunktionsprüfungen fanden sich signifikante Unterschiede zwischen Studentinnen und Studenten, die rauchten bzw. nicht rauchten. Hingegen fanden sich insgesamt keine Unterschiede zwischen Rauchern und Nichtrauchern hinsichtlich der peripheren Muskelkraft. Geschlechtsspezifische Subgruppenanalysen weisen auf unterschiedliche Effekte des Tabakkonsums auf Muskelkraft und Lungenfunktion hin. Die Entwicklung gezielter Aufklärungskampagnen zum Thema Rauchen für Studierende ist von großer Bedeutung für die öffentliche Gesundheit.

Keywords

physiotherapy - student - university - smoking - respiratory

Schlüsselwörter

Physiotherapie - Studenten - Universität - Rauchen - Lungenfunktion

Publication History

Received: 12 March 2025

Accepted after revision: 11 November 2025

Article published online:
09 December 2025

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