Recent systematic reviews have concluded that a single session of exercise ameliorates cravings and tobacco withdrawal symptoms; however, smoking behaviour (topography) has not been adequately addressed in the literature. This study examined the effect of an acute bout of exercise on smoking topography following a temporary period of smoking abstinence. Forty-eight adult smokers (Nfemale = 34, Mage = 43.14), who had been smoking for an average of 23.90 years, were randomised to an acute (10 minutes) bout of exercise (N = 23) or passive sitting (control) group. Cigarette cravings were assessed at baseline and immediately pre and post treatment condition during a 15-hour smoking abstinence period. Smoking topography which included puff count, puff volume, puff duration, inter-puff interval, and total cigarette duration was assessed at baseline and post treatment. Although exercise reduced cravings, compared to the control group, smoking topography remained unchanged across time between groups. Furthermore, craving reduction was unrelated to any smoking topography variables. Although there is evidence that exercise can delay time to first cigarette, this study demonstrates that the change to smoking topography is negligible when participants are invited to smoke.

Introduction: Characterising smoking behaviour in an objective and ecologically valid manner is integral to understanding health complications associated with tobacco use. Smoking topography (ST) provides a representation of the physical attributes of smoking. However, there is no clear guidance on ST data exclusion and reduction techniques and the impact of different techniques.

Methods: A search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus and limited to studies published between 2001‒2012. The search identified 23 studies using the CReSS device.

Results: Few studies reported data reduction (n = 9) and exclusion (n = 4) criteria. Four data reduction techniques emerged and were applied to an existing dataset (n = 193, Mage = 38.98, FTND = 5.19, mean 17.23 cigarettes/day). Using repeated measures ANOVA, there were significant (p < 0.05) differences among all techniques for puff volume, peak flow, puff duration and interpuff interval, which were attenuated upon controlling for puff count.

Conclusions: This review highlights the inconsistency in the literature regarding the disclosure of smoking topography data treatment and provides clear evidence that outcomes vary depending on the technique used. Greater transparency is needed and consideration should be given by researchers to the potential impact of methodological decisions on study findings.