This exploratory study is part of the global clinical assessment program of IQOS. It was designed to provide scientific evidence to further substantiate the reduced risk potential of using a heated tobacco product (the Tobacco Heating System \[THS\] marketed as IQOS) as compared to smoking cigarettes. The main goals of this exploratory study were to assess whether switching from cigarette smoking to using IQOS would influence 1) maximum oxygen uptake during incremental exercise (VO2max) and exercise capacity, 2) ability to perform exercise training and thereby influence 3) VO2max after 12 weeks of exercise training, 4) physiological parameters and biological health markers, and finally 5) physical activity levels in daily life.
This exploratory study, with healthy adult smokers, was designed without product use restrictions (ad libitum product use) in order to replicate as closely as possible "real life" conditions. Subjects randomized to the cigarette and IQOS arms were asked to buy their own cigarettes or HeatSticks, respectively. Subjects randomized to the smoking abstinence (SA) arm were instructed to stay smoking abstinent until the end of the study. Subjects in the SA arm received smoking abstinence support and, in order to prevent relapse to cigarette smoking during the training program, were also allowed to use nicotine replacement therapy. Mobile health technology was used in the study to explore the impact on switching from smoking to using IQOS on physical activity in daily real-world living conditions. The wearable enabled non-invasive recording of physical activity in an objective manner throughout the study. However, results collected from this device will be reported separately. It should be noted that some study outcomes were reported graphically, rather than numerically. Consequently, these outcomes have not been included in this results disclosure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
94
Switch to IQOS use + participation in a training program
Switch to IQOS use only, without participation in a training program
Continue to smoke cigarettes + participation in a training program
Switch to smoking abstinence + participation in a training program
CRS Clinical Research Services Mannheim GmbH
Mannheim, Germany
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max, Absolute Values)
To measure VO2max during maximal cycle ergometer exercise (expressed in absolute values \[mL\*min-1\]).
Time frame: Measured at baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max, Weight-adjusted Values)
To measure VO2max during maximal cycle ergometer exercise (expressed in weight-adjusted \[mL\*kg-1\*min-1\] values).
Time frame: Measured at baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max, Fat-free Weight Adjusted Values)
To measure VO2max during maximal cycle ergometer exercise (expressed in fat-free weight adjusted values \[mL\*kg-1\*min-1\]).
Time frame: Measured at baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Exercise Capacity
To measure exercise capacity, by measuring time to complete a pre-defined work (determined as 25% more work than the study subject produced during baseline VO2max test) on a cycle ergometer (seconds).
Time frame: Measured at baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43)
Exercise Training Intensity: Cumulative Work
To measure cumulative work (calories) produced during each 40 minute exercise training session, performed on a stationary bike, over 12 weeks.
Time frame: Measured during 38 exercise training sessions of 40 minutes duration, conducted approximately 3 times a week, over 12 weeks.
Exercise Training Intensity: Average Work Rate
To measure the average work rate (watt) during each 40 minute exercise training session, performed on a stationary bike, over 12 weeks.
Time frame: Measured during 38 exercise training sessions of 40 minutes duration, conducted approximately 3 times a week, over 12 weeks.
Exercise Training Intensity: Average Heart Rate
To measure the average heart rate (bpm) during each 40 minute exercise training session, performed on a stationary bike, over 12 weeks.
Time frame: Measured during 38 exercise training sessions of 40 minutes duration, conducted approximately 3 times a week, over 12 weeks.
Exercise Training Intensity: Time Spent at Maximal Heart Rate
To measure the time (seconds) spent at 0-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80 % and \>80% of maximal heart rate during each 40 minute exercise training session, performed on a stationary bike, over 12 weeks.
Time frame: Measured during 38 exercise training sessions of 40 minutes duration, conducted approximately 3 times a week, over 12 weeks.
Hemoglobin Mass
To measure Hemoglobin mass (g), measured with the carbon monoxide-rebreathing method.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3) and week 12 (V43).
Red Blood Cell Volume
To measure Red blood cell volume (mL), measured with the carbon monoxide-rebreathing method.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3) and week 12 (V43).
Plasma Volume
To measure Plasma volume (mL), measured with the carbon monoxide-rebreathing method.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3) and week 12 (V43).
Total Blood Volume
To measure total blood volume (mL), measured with the carbon monoxide-rebreathing method.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3) and week 12 (V43).
Capillary Blood Lactate Levels
To measure changes from baseline of Capillary blood lactate levels (mmol/L), measured (with a portable lactate analyzer) during VO2max test.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline and week 15.
Ventilation at VO2 Max
To measure ventilation (L/min) at VO2max.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Respiratory Rate
To measure respiratory rate (breaths per minute) at VO2max.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
VCO2
To measure VCO2 (L/min) at VO2 max.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
To measure the respiratory exchange ratio (VCO2/VO2) at VO2max
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Rating of Perceived Capacity by Sex
To measure Rating of Perceived Capacity (RPC), determined by using the RPC scale. The RPC scale is a list of physical activities arranged in order, with a scale of values from least strenuous (1) to most exhausting (18 for women, 20 for men). Subjects choose the most strenuous activity, with corresponding value, which they could sustain for 30 minutes.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Rating of Perceived Exertion
To measure changes from baseline of the Rating of Perceived Exertion, determined by using the Borg scale. The Borg RPE scale is a numerical scale that ranges from 6 to 20, where 6 means "no exertion at all" and 20 means "maximal exertion." Subjects choose a number from the scale that best describes their level of exertion during a physical activity.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Heart Rate
To measure changes from baseline of heart rate (bpm) during VO2max test.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, at week 1, and at week 15.
Oxygen Uptake
To measure changes from baseline of Oxygen uptake during VO2max test. (mL/min)
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, at week 1, and at week 15.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
To measure HDL concentrations in serum (mg/dL).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
To measure LDL concentrations in serum (mg/dL).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
To measure VLDL concentrations in serum (mg/dL).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (Hs-CRP)
To measure hs-CRP concentrations in serum (mg/dL).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Growth Hormone
To measure growth hormone concentrations in serum (ng/mL).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
To measure glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c in whole blood).
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Resting Systolic Blood Pressure
To measure resting systolic blood pressure in mmHg.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Resting Pulse Rate
To measure resting heart rate in bpm.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Body Fat
To measure body fat as a percentage.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Waist Circumference
To measure waist circumference in cm.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), at week 1 (V4), and at week 12 (V43).
Body Weight
To measure body weight in kilograms.
Time frame: Measured at each visit, starting from Baseline (V3) until week 12 (V43).
Exhaled Carbon Monoxide
To measure exhaled carbon monoxide (ppm).
Time frame: Measured at each visit, starting from Baseline (V3) until week 12 (V43).
Carboxyhemoglobin
To measure Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), assayed from whole blood. Expressed as % of saturation of hemoglobin.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 1 (V4), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
NEQ
To measure Nicotine equivalents (NEQ) concentrations, measured in spot urine and expressed as concentration adjusted for creatinine.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 1 (V4), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Total NNAL
To measure Total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) concentrations, measured in spot urine and expressed as concentration adjusted for creatinine.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 1 (V4), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
CEMA
To measure 2-cyanoethylmercapturic acid (CEMA) concentrations, measured in spot urine and expressed as concentration adjusted for creatinine.
Time frame: Measured at Baseline (V3), week 1 (V4), week 6 (V14), week 10 (V28), and week 12 (V43).
Nicotine/Tobacco Product Use (Cigarettes)
To measure self-reported number of any nicotine/tobacco product used on a daily basis.
Time frame: Recorded daily by subject, in product use diary, from study enrollment for 16 weeks.
Nicotine/Tobacco Product Use (HeatSticks)
To measure self-reported number of any nicotine/tobacco product used on a daily basis.
Time frame: Recorded daily by subject, in product use diary, from study enrollment for 16 weeks.
Nicotine/Tobacco Product Use (E-cigarettes)
To measure self-reported number of any nicotine/tobacco product used on a daily basis.
Time frame: Recorded daily by subject, in product use diary, from study enrollment for 16 weeks.
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