Abstract

Background: Pulmonary function will improve by regular and intense physical activity. There will be difference in degree of improvement or increase in pulmonary functions in different types of athletic activities. Recent studies have stated forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio to be higher in athletes than in the normal sedentary control individuals. Few studies have found lower values of dynamic pulmonary function while few other studies have found higher values of dynamic pulmonary function tests. We undertook this study to know the pulmonary function in athletes of Bengaluru and compare it with controls.

Aim and Objective: This study aims to record dynamic pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) using COSMED computerized spirometer in athletes and to compare with non-athletes.

Materials and Methods: This is a case–control study which included 50 non-smoking athletes of 18–25 years age group from Shree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, and 50 non-athletes as control group after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were age and gender matched. FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were recorded using COSMED computerized spirometer. For statistical analysis, independent Student’s t-test was used.

Results: FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in athletes than non-athletes.

Conclusion: Regular exercise and athletic training will improve the lung function tests.

Key words: Athletes; Forced Vital Capacity; Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second; COSMED Spirometer