Brooks RD, et al. - As cigarette smoking and low fitness are the independent risk factors for injury, researchers investigated the combined effect of cigarette smoking and fitness on injury risk in men and women. Smokers vs non-smokers experienced 20-30% higher risk of injury. Higher aerobic and muscular fitness among smokers conferred no protection against injury; however, among non-smokers, it was protective against injury. Thereby suggesting the benefits of implementing smoking cessation programs for military and civilian personnel who are required to be physically fit in order to carry out their job responsibilities.