Investigation of exclusive narghile smokers: Deficiency and incapacity measured by spirometry and 6-minute walk test

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies on the submaximal aerobic capacity of exclusive narghile smokers (ENS) seem necessary in view of effective prevention of cardiorespiratory diseases. The goal of the study was to assess, by 6-min walk test (6MWT) data, the submaximal aerobic capacity of ENS, to identify factors influencing their 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and to compare their data with those of a healthy non-smoker (HNS) group. METHODS: Seventy 20–60-y-old male ENS were included. Narghile use (narghile-years) and anthropometric, clinical, spirometric, and 6MWT data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors influencing 6MWD. Data of a subgroup of 40–60-y-old ENS (n = 25) were compared with those of an age-matched HNS group (n = 53). RESULTS: The median (first to third quartile) for age and narghile use were 32 (26–43) and 17 (8 –32) narghile-years, respectively. The profile of ENS performing the 6MWT was as follows: at the end of the 6MWT, 34% and 9% had a low heart rate (< 60% of maximum predicted) and high dyspnea scores (> 5/10, visual analog scale), respectively; 3% had an oxyhemoglobin saturation decrease of > 5 points during the test; and 20% had an abnormal 6MWD (less than the lower limit of the normal range). The factors that significantly influenced the 6MWD, explaining 38% of its variability, are included in the following equation: 6MWD (m) = 742.63 - 5.20 x body mass index (kg/m2) + 25.23 x FEV1 (L) - 0.44 x narghile use (narghile-years). Compared with HNS, the subgroup of ENS had a significantly lower 6MWD (98 ± 7 vs 87 ± 9% predicted, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Narghile use may play a role in reducing submaximal aerobic capacity. The present study suggests that a program of pulmonary rehabilitation is an excellent axis to follow.