Background: Various studies showed that physically active geriatric population remain more physically fit than their sedentary peers. Various respiratory functional changes occur as the age progresses. Benefits of regular exercise in lowering risk of early death, stroke, coronary artery disease, and incidences of hypertension have been proven.
Aims and Objective: To study the effect of ageing on respiratory system in elderly persons.
Material and Methods: Subjects were divided into two groups according their physical activity level into test group and control group. The test group consist of subjects having higher physical activity, whereas sedentary subjects were included in the control group. Various respiratory parameters were measured by spirometry.
Result: The study found that physically active elderly had significantly higher pulmonary function compared to their sedentary peers: Forced vital capacity (FVC) in liters (2.58 ± 1.03 vs. 1.99 ± 0.81; P < 0.01), forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in liters (1.79 ± 0.68 vs. 1.26 ± 0.53; P < 0.0007), peak expiratory and inspiratory flow rates (PEFR) in liters per second (5.51 ± 1.64 vs. 3.35 ± 1.27; P < 0.0001), maximum voluntary ventilation in liters (89.69 ± 33.81 vs. 50.36 ± 28.69; P < 0.0001), 40 mm endurance test in seconds (23.73 ± 9.42 vs. 16.36 ± 13.60; P < 0.0083), and maximum expiratory pressure in mmHg (85.57 ± 22.67 vs. 57.43 ± 24.65; P < 0.0001). However, the results of FEV1/FVC ratio in % (70.06 ± 12.67 vs. 66.25 ± 17.89; P = 0.29), forced expiratory flow 25-75 in % (1.63 ± 1.22 vs. 1.16 ± 0.78; P = 0.068), and breath holding time in seconds (27.66 ± 9.85 vs. 24.33 ± 9.01; P = 0.147) were not found significant.
Conclusion: A regular physical activity is beneficial for the elderly in all aspects, particularly in maintaining their better pulmonary function and preventing debility and mortality from respiratory diseases.
Key words: Pulmonary Function; Exercise; Sedentary Lifestyle; Ageing
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