The effect of physical exercise on the smoking cessation process among Physical Education and Sport Science students.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Smoking is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, related to severity and chronicity. <bold>Purpose:</bold> To investigate the effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on the abstinence of tobacco cessation among Physical Education and Sports Science students at the University of Thessaly. <bold>Material-Method:</bold> From 05/23-09/23, 100 undergraduate and graduate smoking students were studied with an anonymous questionnaire regarding their nicotine dependence, use of tobacco products, demographic data, and their intention to quit through specialized medicine counseling and treatment. <bold>Results:</bold> (51 men), mean age 20 ±2.5 years, 45% amateur athletes, age at start of smoking 14±3 years, 70% one or both smoking parents, Fagerstrom score 6±2, 31% dual users, while 41% are not concerned about harmful effects. Although they do not smoke during classes (90%), 54% smoke in non-permitted areas, 49% smoke before sports, with 74% unwilling to quit. A significant correlation between abstinence for 60min after an aerobic and anaerobic exercise program was found (p<0.001). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Studied students report adolescence as the age of smoking initiation, are negatively influenced by family norms, and are not concerned about future health complications. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise programs appear to be a significant factor in achieving a 60 min abstinence from smoking.