Cigarette smoking effects on leg movement speed and coordination in young adults

The Effects of Cigarette Addiction on Lower Extremity Movement Speed and Coordination in Young Adults

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07075068

We will see if daily cigarette smoking changes leg coordination and 30-meter sprint speed in healthy 18-25-year-olds.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar)
Trial IDNCT07075068 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This non-randomized observational controlled study will compare 12 daily smokers and 12 non-smokers aged 18-25 at a university physiotherapy department. Participants will complete the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) and a 30-meter sprint, while smokers will also complete the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Anthropometric measures including BMI and bimalleolar diameter will be recorded, and individuals with orthopedic, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, cognitive disorders, or obesity will be excluded. Data will be analyzed for group differences and correlations between nicotine dependence and motor performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy, literate, cooperative adults aged 18-25 with BMI 18.5-29.9 who can walk independently and, for the smoker group, have smoked daily for at least one year are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with orthopedic, neurologic, neuromuscular, chronic cardiopulmonary disease, cognitive impairment, obesity (BMI ≥ 30), or, for smokers, a history of acute cardiovascular events or chronic heart or lung disease are unlikely to be included or to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether nicotine addiction is linked to measurable reductions in lower-extremity motor performance, which may inform prevention or rehabilitation strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked smoking and nicotine exposure to changes in motor and cognitive function, but studies specifically measuring lower-extremity coordination and sprint speed in young adults are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (for both groups):

* Age between 18 and 25 years
* Able to walk independently
* Literate and cooperative
* Willing to participate voluntarily
* BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m²

Additional inclusion for smokers:

* Daily smoking for at least one year based on WHO and DSM-IV-TR definitions
* Exclusion Criteria (for all participants):
* Orthopedic, neurologic, or neuromuscular disorders affecting gait
* Chronic cardiopulmonary disease
* Cognitive impairments
* Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)

Additional exclusion for smokers:

* History of acute cardiovascular events
* Chronic heart failure or lung diseases

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Üsküdar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Smoking Cessation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.