This is indeed an actual article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in December 14 2010. An before you go about dismissing/discrediting/condemning the article, take a read at the abstract. There is indeed a logical and insightful reason as to why such an absurd sounding article would be published in a respectable journal.
" Abstract:
The review paper is a staple of medical literature and, when well executed by an expert in the field, can provide a summary of literature that generates useful recommendations and new conceptualizations of a topic. However, if research results are selectively chosen, a review has the potential to create a convincing argument for a faulty hypothesis. Improper correlation or extrapolation of data can result in dangerously flawed conclusions. The following paper seeks to illustrate this point, using existing research to argue the hypothesis that cigarette smoking enhances endurance performance and should be incorporated into high-level training programs. "
Indeed, with the rise of the internet, science blogs, e-magazines and all, there have been multiple instances where stories are published and republished all over the web, without scrutiny into the facts/details, and ends up being taken as truth.
One recent wildfire occurred earlier in May, about how Canadian researchers cured cancer with DCA and the conspiracy that mainstream media were still not going public about it. Turns out, not only was it stale news, with the study being done in 2007, but the study was so preliminary, with a small sample size, and conflicting results, that declaring DCA as a cure just seemed absurd.
So yes, while peer reviews and all are there to "guard the guards", the responsibility still falls on the individual to look beyond the published findings and question their significance. This article serves as a reminder to us all, how a person of authority can possibly put together a seemingly compelling argument built upon a slippery slope.
So what are the flaws in the argument in this article?
Serum Hemoglobin:
Smoking results in the inhalation of carbon monoxide, arising from incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide binds strongly to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, and thus hindering the formation of oxyhemoglobin, and subsequent oxygen supply throughout the body.
The body responds to this lack of oxygen by creating more red blood cells, thus increasing the overall serum hemoglobin. However, unlike altitude training, this increase not translate to a richer supply of oxygen. Transversely, this increase in red blood cells, coupled with the increase of cholesterol, clotting factors such as fibrinogen and platelets, results in "stickier" blood and a higher tendency for clots and stroke.
Lung Volume:
In COPD, emphysema occurs, in which the alveolars or air sacs are inflamed or destroyed, and lung recoil is greatly reduced. This "unfolding" process results in a larger lung, with decreased surface area. This decreased surface area, coupled with the weakened lung recoil for expiration, and obstructed airflow, leaves the patient gasping, and constantly out of breath.
Weight Loss:
As stated above, most COPD patients are constantly out of breath. This usually leaves them bedridden or immobilized. As a result, muscle wasting occurs through disuse atrophy. In addition, if the patient develops lung cancer, muscle atrophy could progress on to cachexia, which can be fatal. Thus, despite the weight loss, it is unlikely that the muscle-wasting patient will be performing any endurance sports.
