Effect of Pyramidal Aerobic Training on Ventilatory Function in Cigarette Smokers

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of an eight-week pyramidal aerobic training program on ventilatory function in cigarette smokers. Forty male cigarette smokers aged 18 to 28 years will be randomly allocated to either a pyramidal aerobic training group or a control group. The intervention group will perform treadmill-based pyramidal aerobic training three times per week for eight consecutive weeks. Each session will include a warm-up, pyramidal aerobic training with ascending and descending intensity levels, and a cool-down. Training intensity will range from 20% to 80% of the participant's target heart rate calculated using the Karvonen formula. Ventilatory function will be assessed by spirometry, while functional capacity, health-related quality of life, and smoking abstinence self-efficacy will also be assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Cigarette smoker males aged from 18 to 28 years.
• Smoking index = 50.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m².
• Cigarette smokers demonstrate mild to moderate impairment in ventilatory function confirmed by baseline spirometry.
• SASEQ (Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy Questionnaire) moderate self-efficacy, score from 9 to 16.
• Cigarette smokers are able and willing to participate in aerobic training sessions

Exclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Patients with cardiovascular diseases or other systemic illnesses that contraindicate exercise.
• Patients who experienced recent respiratory infections within the last 4 weeks.
• Patients currently engaged in regular structured aerobic or respiratory training programs.