Think vaping is safer? Study finds it could slash fitness by 15 percent

Dr Azmy Faisal, Senior Lecturer in Cardiorespiratory Physiology in the University’s Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and the lead author of the study said: “In active, healthy young adults with normal lungs, both vapes, and tobacco smoking led to worsened exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and intense leg fatigue.

“Like smoking, our research indicates that vaping can lead to harmful changes to the blood vessels, lung efficiency during exercise and approximately a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped.”

The study, published in ERJ Open Research, examined 75 people aged 18-30; a third had never smoked or vaped, a third were smokers but had never used vapes, and a third were vapers for approximately three years but had never smoked. All participants had normal resting lung function and similar lifestyles, including caffeine and alcohol consumption, and physical activity levels.

Each volunteer took part in an incremental cycle exercise test whilst having their heart, breathing and blood lactate responses measured at harder and harder levels until they reached their maximum. Ultrasound scan and blood tests were also taken to look at how well their arteries were functioning. Test results found that at their peak exercise ability, the vaping and smoking groups had significantly lower exercise capacity and oxygen uptake by approximately 15%.

The efficiency of the lungs to blow off carbon dioxide was diminished, and more lactic acid was built up quicker in vapers and smokers at all levels of exercise before they reached their maximum, resulting in increased breathlessness and leg discomfort compared to the group who had never smoked or vaped. Ultrasound scans and blood samples showed signs of inflammation in the blood vessels. Researchers say these results suggest similar effects of vaping and smoking on young people.

Dr Faisal added: “These findings provide critical information for the general public, healthcare providers, and regulatory authorities regarding potential early risks associated with vape use particularly for the growing number of young adults who have never smoked but choose to use these products.  Additionally, our study supports the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which prohibits caping for individuals under 18 among young adults in the future.”

The team are now planning to conduct a series of MRI studies to better understand the changes within the heart, lungs and skeletal muscles associated with vaping, particularly the underlying mechanisms which lead to lower levels of fitness.