The effects of nicotine chewing gum on the sensitivity to muscle tension.

It has been shown that smoking can alter the sensitivity to muscle activity in female smokers. The present study was designed to assess the effects of smoking cessation and nicotine replacement on sensitivity to muscle tension. Twenty-five women were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group was given nicotine chewing gum during the withdrawal period and a second group was given no nicotine replacement. Results showed a significant difference in sensitivity at post-test for subjects given nicotine gum compared to subjects receiving no nicotine replacement. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that nicotine alters sensitivity to muscle tension.