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Smoking behaviour : determinants of puffing parameters and behavioural and electrocortical correlates

Smoking behaviour : determinants of puffing parameters and behavioural and electrocortical correlates
Smoking behaviour : determinants of puffing parameters and behavioural and electrocortical correlates

Literatures relating to the measurement of smoking behaviour, the stability of smoking behaviour, the effect of context on smoking parameters, nicotine titration, and electrocortical studies of smoking behaviour, are critically reviewed. In a series of three laboratory based studies the electrocortical correlates of smoking were explored. In the first experiment one hour deprived subjects smoked one of their own preferred brand of cigarettes on two occasions. Electroencephalographic (EEG) data were analysed from the interpuff intervals during smoking, and cumulative EEG effects of smoking were observed through the course of the cigarette. In contrast to the existing literature EEG signs of central sedation were found to accompany smoking. In the second experiment two special cigarettes designed to differ in terms of nicotine delivery were substituted for preferred brands. As with the first experiment EEG signs of central sedation accompanied smoking. However, there was a failure to replicate the previously observed cumulative EEG effects of smoking through the course of the cigarette. In the third experiment, subjects performed a rapid visual information processing task, during which they were, or were not, allowed to smoke. Again smoking was accompanied by EEG signs of central sedation. Smoking also tended to counter the vigilance decrement in reaction time seen in the nonsmoking condition. Analysis of smoking behaviour across sessions found intrasubject consistency and intersubject variability in smoking topography. Smoking parameters appeared to be little influenced by the various experimental protocols employed. However, in the second experiment smokers confronted with cigarettes of different nicotine delivery managed in some way to compensate for the differences in delivery. Smokers appeared to track nicotine values at the expense of exposing themselves to increased levels of tar. No relationships were found between smoking parameters and electrocortical indices. Overall, the smoking of a single cigarette in one hour deprived smokers was found to be consistently accompanied by an increase in EEG abundance values across a broad range of frequency bands with the exception of mid alpha (8.7-11.3 Hz) activity. These effects were most clearly seen at the left occipital site, and are tentatively discussed in terms of arousal modulation and possible influences on affective processes. Finally, recommendations are made for future research.

University of Southampton
Church, Robert Ernest
Church, Robert Ernest

Church, Robert Ernest (1989) Smoking behaviour : determinants of puffing parameters and behavioural and electrocortical correlates. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

Literatures relating to the measurement of smoking behaviour, the stability of smoking behaviour, the effect of context on smoking parameters, nicotine titration, and electrocortical studies of smoking behaviour, are critically reviewed. In a series of three laboratory based studies the electrocortical correlates of smoking were explored. In the first experiment one hour deprived subjects smoked one of their own preferred brand of cigarettes on two occasions. Electroencephalographic (EEG) data were analysed from the interpuff intervals during smoking, and cumulative EEG effects of smoking were observed through the course of the cigarette. In contrast to the existing literature EEG signs of central sedation were found to accompany smoking. In the second experiment two special cigarettes designed to differ in terms of nicotine delivery were substituted for preferred brands. As with the first experiment EEG signs of central sedation accompanied smoking. However, there was a failure to replicate the previously observed cumulative EEG effects of smoking through the course of the cigarette. In the third experiment, subjects performed a rapid visual information processing task, during which they were, or were not, allowed to smoke. Again smoking was accompanied by EEG signs of central sedation. Smoking also tended to counter the vigilance decrement in reaction time seen in the nonsmoking condition. Analysis of smoking behaviour across sessions found intrasubject consistency and intersubject variability in smoking topography. Smoking parameters appeared to be little influenced by the various experimental protocols employed. However, in the second experiment smokers confronted with cigarettes of different nicotine delivery managed in some way to compensate for the differences in delivery. Smokers appeared to track nicotine values at the expense of exposing themselves to increased levels of tar. No relationships were found between smoking parameters and electrocortical indices. Overall, the smoking of a single cigarette in one hour deprived smokers was found to be consistently accompanied by an increase in EEG abundance values across a broad range of frequency bands with the exception of mid alpha (8.7-11.3 Hz) activity. These effects were most clearly seen at the left occipital site, and are tentatively discussed in terms of arousal modulation and possible influences on affective processes. Finally, recommendations are made for future research.

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Published date: 1989

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Local EPrints ID: 461452
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/461452
PURE UUID: ef217ab1-42f4-4796-b59a-39411efc5392

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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 18:47
Last modified: 04 Jul 2022 18:47

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Author: Robert Ernest Church

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