Influence of waterpipe smoking on hematological parameters and cognitive function before and after supramaximal exercise

Objectives. - Tobacco use contributes to 5 million deaths per year worldwide with half of the people who smoke today likely to die prematurely. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of waterpipe (WP) smoking on cognitive function and hematological parameters prior to and following supramaximal exercise. Methods. - A total of 20 sedentary males were assigned into two groups: WP smoker (WPS, n = 10, with more than 10 years smoking experience), and non-smoker (NS, n = 10). Participants performed a 30 s Wingate supramaximal exercise test. Blood samples and cognitive test were obtained before and immediately after the exercise test. Results. - No significant difference was observed between groups for cognitive function at both pre- (54.0 +/- 9.9 vs. 58.3 +/- 11.8%, P = 0.428) and post-exercise (62.5 +/- 6.3 vs. 61.1 +/- 5.9%, P = 0.645). All hematological indices increased significantly at post-exercise with white blood cell, neutrophil, haematocrit and lymphocyte values significantly greater for WPS compared to NS. Conclusion. - Long-term WP smoking resulted in significantly greater hematological indices potentially reflective of greater inflammation. Despite these hematological differences, similar group responses were observed during stress (i.e. supramaximal exercise) indicating that long-term WP smoking may have limited impact on cognitive function via hematological changes. Future studies may elucidate the impact of long-term WP smoking on cardiovascular and cognitive function. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.