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| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 13
| Issue : 1 | Page : 34-38 |
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A physiological study of short term gutkha chewing on cardio-respiratory fitness in middle distance runners
V Sampath1, Amrith Pakkala2
1 Department of Physiology, MVJ Medical College, Hoskote, Bangalore, India
2 PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, Chittoor Dist., Andhra Pradesh, India
| Date of Web Publication | 28-May-2013 |
Correspondence Address:
Amrith Pakkala
Department of Physiology, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, Chittoor Dist., Andhra Pradesh
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1319-6308.112236
Smokeless tobacco has been advocated as a substitute for cigarette smoking. On the contrary, the use of smokeless tobacco is fraught with health risk and needs to be discouraged. Previous reports have described long term harmful effects of smokeless tobacco on various body parameters, little is known about short term effect of smokeless tobacco on cardio respiratory parameters. Very few studies have been undertaken on the effect of short term use of gutkha, a common form of smokeless tobacco in India on cardio respiratory parameters of youngsters. This aspect of use of smokeless tobacco needs to be attended to. The present study has been undertaken to study the effect of short term [3-5 years] gutkha chewing on cardio respiratory fitness tests in young healthy gutkha chewers as compared to age and sex matched non gutkha chewing healthy controls. Various cardio respiratory parameters like resting HR, delta HR, MVV, VE max, VO2 max were studied by using treadmill exercise testing and computerized spirometry. In the present study, no statistically significant difference was found in any parameter studied that can be attributed to the residual effect of short term use of gutkha. This is reason enough to discourage gutkha chewers from this unhealthy habit at this early stage itself before permanent residual effects on health is seen. Keywords: Cardio respiratory, delta HR, gutkha, MVV, resting HR, smokeless tobacco, VE max, VO2 max
How to cite this article:
Sampath V, Pakkala A. A physiological study of short term gutkha chewing on cardio-respiratory fitness in middle distance runners. Saudi J Sports Med 2013;13:34-8 |
How to cite this URL:
Sampath V, Pakkala A. A physiological study of short term gutkha chewing on cardio-respiratory fitness in middle distance runners. Saudi J Sports Med [serial online] 2013 [cited 2023 May 31];13:34-8. Available from: https://www.sjosm.org/text.asp?2013/13/1/34/112236 |
| Introduction | |  |
Tobacco and traces of nicotine were discovered in human remains as early as the prehistoric era. During the 16 th and 17 th centuries, tobacco gained widespread popularity, especially in the form of snuffing tobacco. Snuff was considered a luxury; as tobacco became more readily available. Tobacco became even more popular and more affordable in the 19 th century. The consumption of cigarettes had surpassed other forms, such as chew or snuff. Chewing is another mode of tobacco consumption, which is still widely used worldwide. There has been resurgence of smokeless tobacco use since 1970; [1] its use is common in various parts of the world, including India and central Asia. An increase in consumption of smokeless tobacco has been noticed among high school, college students and sportspersons. [2],[3],[4] Use of smokeless tobacco indeed represents a health concern of growing magnitude among these groups. As a consequence of its addictive qualities, the consumption of smokeless tobacco often becomes a lifelong habit with cumulative and deleterious effects on health. [5],[6] Despite the known health consequences of tobacco, "chewing" is not viewed by users as particularly dangerous and is considered less of a "social evil" than smoking by much of the public. [7],[8] Smokeless tobacco has been advocated as a substitute for cigarette smoking. On the contrary, the use of smokeless tobacco is fraught with health risk and needs to be discouraged. Previous reports have described long term harmful effects of smokeless tobacco on various body parameters, little is known about short term effect of smokeless tobacco on cardio respiratory parameters. [9] The effect of tobacco smoking on aerobic capacity and their predisposition to various unfavourable risk factors for disease is well studied. Very few studies have been undertaken on the effect of short term use of gutkha, a common form of smokeless tobacco in India on cardio respiratory parameters of youngsters. This aspect of use of smokeless tobacco needs to be attended to.
The present study has been undertaken to study the effect of short term [3-5 years] gutkha chewing on cardio respiratory fitness tests in young healthy gutkha chewers as compared to age and sex matched non gutkha chewing healthy controls [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4], [Table 5]. | Table 1: Anthropometric data of controls and gutkha chewers (mean ± SD).
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 | Table 2: Various heart rates of controls and gutkha chewers (mean ± SD).
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 | Table 4: Comparison of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) of controls and gutkha chewers
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| Materials and Methods | | |
Present study was conducted in the Exercise Physiology lab of KIMS, Hubli. Thirty apparently healthy sedentary male gutkha chewers of age group 18-30 years were taken as subjects and equal number of age and sex matched healthy non gutkha chewers were taken as controls. Ethical clearance was obtained from institution ethical committee.
The subjects for the study were selected based on the following criteria:
Inclusion criteria:
- Males between 18-30 years of age
- Middle distance runners 800 m-1200 m
- Chewing gutkha for 3-5 years duration of 5 or more packets per day
Exclusion criteria:
- Age more than 30 years
- Suffering from cardio respiratory or systemic illness like diabetes, hypertension
- Addicted (dependence) to any drugs
Before starting the actual study subjects were briefed about the protocol and informed consent was obtained. Thorough history regarding suitability as per the above inclusion and exclusion criteria was elicited. Basic clinical examination was done to rule out any cardio respiratory or other illness. Subjects were instructed to come to the lab after 2 to 3 h of abstinence from gutkha chewing. Both controls and chewers were advised to refrain from consumption of coffee, tea and heavy meals at least 2 h prior to the recordings.
I. Resting heart rate
Resting heart rate was measured in both non-athlete and athlete group, with the help of Cardiart 108T-mk-VI; ECG machine manufactured by BPL India Ltd. which is a single channel, 12 lead selection electrocardiograph, designed to record electrocardiograms.
Measurement was carried out only after the subjects were thoroughly acquainted with working of the corresponding instrument and the prescribed manoeuvre.
Special instructions
- The subject was made to rest for 15 min after the attachment of leads.
- He was instructed to remain in sitting posture and completely relaxed.
The calibration (1 mv = 10 mm deflection height) and paper speed (25 mm/sec) were checked. Lead selection was switched to LEAD-II and E.C.G. was taken. The resting heart rate was calculated and results were expressed as beats per minute.
Heart rate = 1500
Distance between two consecutive R-R intervals in mm.
II. Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV)
MVV was measured in both the non-athlete and the athlete group with the help of computerized spirolyser.
Spirolyser
In this study, the instrument used to measure respiratory parameters was spirolyser model Spl -95 manufactured by FIM Company, which is an electronic spirometer.
The instrument has facility for calibration, and gives reliable values of tests, which are displayed on the screen along with its graphical interpretation. The instrument is standardized. The instrument has an in-built printer, which prints on special thermal paper. The instrument has memory for 2-3 tests, hence best of the 3 tests can be chosen.
Recording of MVV
The sensor was placed on the stand and then MVV key was pressed. The subject was instructed to keep the disposable mouthpiece attached to pneumotachograph half way in the mouth above the tongue. The nose clip was applied and the start button was pressed. The subject was asked to breathe as deeply and as quickly as possible for 12 seconds, at the end of which the test terminates automatically. Now the sensor is replaced back on the stand. The screen displays the values of MVV along with its graph. This test has no memory. The print key was pressed to obtain a print.
III. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max)
VO 2 max was indirectly assessed by the astrand-astrand nomogram method from sub maximal exercise data obtained while running on a treadmill.
In this study, the treadmill used was model GM1300 motorized treadmill manufactured by Afton company, with assembling size: 146 (L) X 66 (w) × 143 (H) cm and running surface of 360 × 1150 mm. It is driven by a 1.25 H.P. DC motor capable of 4000 rpm. The treadmill has a speed range of 1-11 km/h with 3 levels of pre-set elevations which can be selected. The 3 possible elevations are 1° (1.75 percent grade), 3° (5.23 percent grade) and 7° (12.28 percent grade). This tread mill has a polyester-backed belt and waxed deck for silent operation and 8 elastomer cushions for a low impact running surface.
The LCD monitor of the above treadmill has a 5 window display and displays time, distance travelled, speed, pulse rate and calories consumed. It also has an ear pulse sensor, magnetic safety key for emergency stop, ON/OFF and FAST/SLOW switches. In addition, there are switches for mode, set and reset.
Sub maximal Exercise Testing
Subject preparation
Subjects had to appear for the test only after 2-3 h have lapsed after the last meal.
- Contra-indications to testing are ruled out.
- A detailed explanation of the testing procedure was given outlining risks and possible complications.
- The subject was told how to perform the exercise test and the testing procedure was demonstrated.
- All safety measures for the exercise testing were undertaken.
The treadmill was set to the elevation of 7°. The safety key was put in place and the mains switched ON. The subject was made to stand on the belt and support his arms by the side in the arm support provided. ECG limb leads were connected and the cables were securely tied to the legs. The ear pulse sensor was connected.
The 'ON' switch is pressed to start the motor. The 'FAST' switch is pressed to increase the speed gradually up to 5 km/h and the subject is instructed to run at this speed. The running is continued till a heart rate between 125 and 170 beats per minute is obtained as shown on the LCD display. A steady heart rate for a given work load is indicated by a variation of not move than 5 beats per minute. On attaining this heart rate, the speed is gradually brought down by pressing the slow switch and the machine is switched OFF.
Lead II is selected in the E.C.G. machine and E.C.G. is recorded for a few complexes and sub maximal heart rate is calculated.
The distance travelled and time taken is noted down from the LCD display.
The power reached is calculated as follows:
X = sin α × B
Where X = vertical distance travelled
α = elevation in degrees
B = Distance travelled on
Treadmill (in km)
Work done = Weight of subject × (X)
Power = Work done/Time
The Astrand nomogram is used. The heart rate and the power reached are connected in the nomogram. VO 2 max (in Lit/min) is read from the VO 2 scale.
Corresponding values of VO 2 max in terms of body weight, height and surface area are calculated.
Since the subjects in this study did not exceed 25 years of age, age correction factor was not applied.
Maximal exercise testing
This is done after a rest period of 10 min. The L.C.D. display of the treadmill is reset to zero values.
The spirolyser is switched ON, subject's details entered and the VC key is pressed and kept ready. The ECG limb leads are connected and the cables secured as before. The subject was suitably instructed about the test manoeuvre. Elevation was continued at 7°. The subject was asked to run till exhaustion and to stop only when he felt that he could no longer run.
With the subject on the belt, the treadmill was switched ON and the FAST key pressed. The speed was gradually raised to 10 km/h. When the subject could no longer continue running, the speed was gradually brought down and the treadmill switched OFF.
Lead II is selected in the E.C.G. machine and E.C.G. is recorded for a few complexes and Maximal Heart Rate is calculated.
IV. Maximal Heart Rate.
Simultaneously, the nose clip is applied; the disposable mouth piece on the pneumotachograph of the ready spirolyser is placed on the subject's mouth over the tongue. The start switch is pressed in the VC Mode to record the respiration at VO 2 max work load. After 50 seconds the test terminates automatically. The sensor is placed back in its place. A print is obtained.
V. Delta Heart Rate (δ HR)
The δ HR was the calculated difference between the maximal HR and the resting HR.
VI. Minute Volume at VO 2 max (V E max) is calculated from the respiratory rate and the tidal volume recorded
VII. Breathing reserve (BR) at VO 2 max is calculated using the formula.
BR at VO2max = MVV - V E max
VIII Dyspnoeic Index (DI) at VO 2 max is calculated using the formula
DI at VO2max = BR at VO2max/ MVV
IX. Recovery Heart Rate: This is recorded after a period of 1 min from the cessation of maximal exercise. Lead II is selected in the E.C.G. machine and E.C.G. is recorded for 15 seconds.
Recovery heart rate is obtained by using the formula, Recovery HR = 15 - sec HR × 4
X. Maximum oxygen Pulse
This is calculated by using the formula,
All these set of recordings were done on both the non-athlete as well as the athlete groups. Statistical analysis was done by using un-paired student's test.
| Results and Discussion | | |
The greatest concern for nicotine related effects is acceleration or aggravation of cardiovascular disease. [10]
In a study of the cardiovascular effects of daily smokeless tobacco use, the prominent effects of nicotine use viz., heart rate acceleration and increased urinary catecholamine excretion were similar throughout the day in people smoking cigarettes and those using smokeless tobacco [9] There was no significant difference seen in parameters like VO2 max, maximum oxygen pulse, MVV, VE max as an acute effect of gutkha chewing. Most of the workers had attributed decreased VO2 max among smokers to the carbon monoxide saturation and less haemoglobin availability to carry oxygen. Our study group did not show any significant change in VO2 max as carbon monoxide is nonexistent in smokeless tobacco.
In this study it appears that tobacco chewers are physically fit like controls, but after immediate tobacco chewing a lesser delta HR suggests a higher risk for cardiovascular mortality. Respiratory parameters show marginal increase in values. This could be due to bronchodilatation due to the release of epinephrine or stimulation of sympathetic system or both. In the present study no statistically significant difference was found in any parameter studied that can be attributed to the residual effect of short term use of Gutkha. This is reason enough to discourage gutkha chewers from this unhealthy habit at this early stage itself before permanent residual effects on health is seen.
| Acknowledgement | | |
The authors wish to thank the Director, KIMS, Hubli for his kind co-operation
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[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4], [Table 5]
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