Statement of the problem: Does the pyramidal aerobic training affect ventilatory function parameters in smokers? Null hypothesis: Pyramidal aerobic training has no significant effect on ventilatory function parameters (such as Forced Vital Capacity \[FVC\], Forced Expiratory Volume in one second \[FEV₁\], and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate \[PEFR\]) in adult 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.
[{"measure":"Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)","timeFrame":"Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention"},{"measure":"Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)","timeFrame":"Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention"},{"measure":"FEV1/FVC Ratio","timeFrame":"Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention"},{"measure":"Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)","timeFrame":"Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention"}]