Motor Symptoms Similar to Parkinsonism in Heavy Smokers

Abstract

The major objective in this study was a comparison of the motor performance of young male smokers and non-smokers. We tested the endurance capacity, maximal isometric strength, speed of whole-body movements, flexibility and balancing ability of 74 smokers and 118 non-smokers. Then we measured the balancing ability, the visual reaction time and the speed of limb movements of non-smokers and heavy smokers depending on the time of abstinence from smoking. The balancing ability of heavy smokers deteriorates in comparison with non-smokers after an abstinence period of 11 - 120 min by 42% (p<0.05), and after more than 120min by 51% (p<0.01). Heavy smokers had a longer reaction time both after 2 hours of abstinence and after smoking. The speed of limb movements is decreased after not smoking for a brief period compared to non-smokers and clearly improved immediately after smoking. This deterioration of motor performance of heavy smokers after a short period of abstinence appears similar to the motor symptoms of Parkinsonism and is “treated” by cigarette smoking.

Key words

Smoking - nicotine effects - Parkinsonism - physical fitness - motor performance - balance - reaction time - movement - accident - alpine sports