Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Neck Flexor and Extensor Endurance Capacity- A Pilot Study Savadatti Ravi1, Gabr Ahmed Maher1,2 1Department of Physiotherapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Saudi Arabia 2Deparment of Physical therapy for pediatrics, Faculty of Physical therapy, Cairo University, Egypt Online published on 11 July, 2019. Abstract Background and Objective Weak neck muscles and decreased range of motion in the cervical region are some of the key factors associated with neck pain and disability. Cigarette smoking is known to cause health ailments affecting the cardiorespiratory system and additionally it is inclined to cause a damaging effect on skeletal structures as well, contemplating the destructive impact of smoking on muscles, we conducted a study with an objective to find the effect of smoking on neck flexor and extensor endurance capacity. Methods 24 healthy male participants were divided into smoking and non-smoking groups. The neck flexor and extensor endurance capacity was measured using the neck muscle endurance tests. The outcome parameters were compared between smokers and non-smoking group. Result The Cigarette smoking group showed significant reduction in neck flexor and extensor endurance as compared to the nonsmoking participants (p<0.05). Conclusion Endurance capacity of neck flexors and extensor muscles is reduced in participants who smoked as compared to those who did no smoke. Top Keywords Cigarette smoking, muscle strength, neck flexor and extensor endurance test. Top |