CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Nicotine in sports: Discrepancies between neurophysiological effects and performance outcomes
1
Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
2
Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, Ontario, Canada
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A21
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
Recent literature has documented an increase in nicotine use in sport, primarily administered through smokeless tobacco. Although the World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit its use, it monitors consumption patterns. This presentation will provide an overview of current literature and future research perspectives.
METHODS:
Laboratory-collected data on nicotine prevalence and efficacy on performance across different sports, using various administration routes (snus, transdermal patches, gum, etc.), will be presented. Studies include winter sport athletes, professional footballers, and cyclists. Assessments comprise prefrontal cerebral oxygenation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), cardiovascular parameters, mental workload, cognitive performance, and core body temperature.
RESULTS:
In regular snus users, nicotine induces greater psychological satisfaction compared to occasional users. Snus administration increases prefrontal cerebral oxygenation during submaximal exercise, supporting a central stimulant action. TMS data confirm increases in MEP amplitude and latency post-exercise. In footballers, snus intake increases mental workload and reduces perceived readiness. Under abstinence conditions (12h), time to exhaustion and cognitive performance increase (+13%). However, administration via gum or patches exerts neither ergogenic nor ergolytic effects on self-paced cycling performance of ~1h, although systemic delivery is greatest with transdermal patches, and no alterations in psycho-physiological measures are observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Results highlight complex and route-dependent effects of nicotine on sport performance. The discrepancy between neurophysiological changes and performance outcomes suggests sport-specific and dose-dependent mechanisms. These findings are relevant for researchers investigating nicotine’s ergogenic potential, practitioners advising athletes, and regulatory authorities considering future monitoring or restriction policies. Further research should examine long-term health implications and potential addiction risks in athletic populations.
Recent literature has documented an increase in nicotine use in sport, primarily administered through smokeless tobacco. Although the World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit its use, it monitors consumption patterns. This presentation will provide an overview of current literature and future research perspectives.
METHODS:
Laboratory-collected data on nicotine prevalence and efficacy on performance across different sports, using various administration routes (snus, transdermal patches, gum, etc.), will be presented. Studies include winter sport athletes, professional footballers, and cyclists. Assessments comprise prefrontal cerebral oxygenation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), cardiovascular parameters, mental workload, cognitive performance, and core body temperature.
RESULTS:
In regular snus users, nicotine induces greater psychological satisfaction compared to occasional users. Snus administration increases prefrontal cerebral oxygenation during submaximal exercise, supporting a central stimulant action. TMS data confirm increases in MEP amplitude and latency post-exercise. In footballers, snus intake increases mental workload and reduces perceived readiness. Under abstinence conditions (12h), time to exhaustion and cognitive performance increase (+13%). However, administration via gum or patches exerts neither ergogenic nor ergolytic effects on self-paced cycling performance of ~1h, although systemic delivery is greatest with transdermal patches, and no alterations in psycho-physiological measures are observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Results highlight complex and route-dependent effects of nicotine on sport performance. The discrepancy between neurophysiological changes and performance outcomes suggests sport-specific and dose-dependent mechanisms. These findings are relevant for researchers investigating nicotine’s ergogenic potential, practitioners advising athletes, and regulatory authorities considering future monitoring or restriction policies. Further research should examine long-term health implications and potential addiction risks in athletic populations.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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