Studies have linked strong adverse effects of nicotine on musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neural and endocrinal system. Studies have particularly shown that prolonged smoking severely impacts strength and endurances in various muscle groups with increase incidences of chronic pain syndromes. Our study used correlation design to see the effects of prolonged smoking on endurance of postural back muscles. Criteria based selection was done and 30 subjects were recruited with informed consent and then divided into two groups, group A (smokers) and group-B (Non-smokers). With adequate explanation and demonstration Sorenson’s endurance test was carried out to see the back extensor endurance time in two groups of subjects. The isometric hold time was recorded for both the groups. Data was obtained and smoking index was correlated subsequently.Results show that with high smoking index, mean endurance time for smokers was less than non-smokers.

Keywords: Nicotine, Smoking Index, Sorenson’s Endurance Test, Back Extensor Endurance, Mean Endurance Time.