The effect of smoking on respiratory functions and maximal oxygen consumption capacity in elite level hockey sports

In this study, the effects of smoking status on respiratory functions and maximal oxygen consumption capacity in hockey players were examined. An experimental research model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used. The study was conducted with 12 female and 12 male Super League players aged 18–25 who play hockey in the province of Osmaniye. As data collection tools, the 20-meter shuttle run test was used to determine maximal oxygen consumption capacity, and a Cosmed-brand spirometer was used to determine Forced Vital Capacity. Within the scope of the study, an 8-week high-intensity interval training program was applied to the athletes. Quantitative data analysis methods were used to analyze the research data, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 24 statistical software. The Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon test were used in the analyses. It was concluded that the groups were equivalent at the pre-test (baseline) stage, allowing for the experimental application. In addition, after the 8-week training program applied to the experimental group of hockey players, a positive and statistically significant improvement was observed in VO₂max values. It was also found that, within the experimental group, non-smokers had higher scores than smokers. As a result of the post-test comparisons between the experimental and control groups, a statistically significant difference in VO₂max values was found in favor of the experimental group. Overall, it was determined that the interventions applied to the experimental group had a more positive effect compared to the control group. Furthermore, in terms of smoking status, it was concluded that there were statistically significant differences in VO₂max and Forced Vital Capacity measurements between smokers and non-smokers in both pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental and control groups. The VO₂max and Forced Vital Capacity values of non-smoking athletes were found to be higher than those of smoking athletes.