Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 63. No. 2, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2024.63.02.7
The effect of a single oral dose of L-arginine on quadriceps strength in smokers and non-smokers: a non-randomized clinical trial
Goranka Radmilović
orcid.org/0009-0007-9876-9182
; Daruvarske toplice Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation, Daruvar, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
*
Sanja Popović-Grle
; Jordanovac Department for Lung Diseases, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Matijević
orcid.org/0000-0003-0096-2034
; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), which is thought to be caused by smoking in even 8 out of 10 cases. One
of the first clinical signs in patients with COPD is reduced physical ability, which is usually attributed
to reduced lung function, although a significant role is played by a disorder of the musculoskeletal
system. Th e aim of the study was to examine differences in fitness and locomotor status between
smokers and non-smokers, as well as the effect of oral administration of L-arginine on the strength
of the quadriceps depending on smoking status. The study included 164 subjects, 84 non-smokers and
81 smokers not diagnosed with COPD. All subjects completed CAT and IPAQ questionnaires, and
performed spirometry, 6-minute walking test and quadriceps strength testing without therapy and
after oral administration of 500 mg L-arginine. Th e results showed that the increase in quadriceps
strength after oral administration of L-arginine was not dependent on smoking status but was more
pronounced in smokers who started smoking at an earlier age and who smoked more cigarettes, as
well as a generally higher physical activity of non-smokers. These results could become relevant for
recognizing the development of skeletal musculature hypotonus and hypotrophy in smokers who are
prone to develop COPD.
Keywords
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Smoking; Quadriceps; Arginine
Hrčak ID:
327950
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2025.
Visits: 1.116 *