Acute recovery profile of lung volumes and function after running 5 miles

The purpose of this study was to characterize the acute changes and recovery profile of lung volumes and function subsequent to strenuous aerobic exercise. Eight experienced runners (X age = 25 yrs; wt = 73 kg; ht = 181 cm) completed three identical 5 mile runs. Determinations were made of forced vital capacity (FVC), residual volume (RV), closing capacity (CC), and pulmonary diffusion capacity (DLCO). Measurement of cardiac output (Q) and stroke volume (SV) occurred simultaneously with the 10 second DLCO breathhold maneuver. Measurements were obtained before and 5, 15 and 25 minutes after each run. FVC was reduced (-4.5%) 5 min post-run with a return to pre-run values by 15 min. CC (+16%) and RV (+18%) remained elevated for at least 30 min post-run. DLCO did not appear to be effected by the run. However, the single-breath DLCO breathhold maneuver consistently caused a fall in SV at rest and during recovery. The hypothesis has been forwarded that an increase in central blood volume post-run accounted for the acute reduction in FVC. The sustained elevation in RV resulted from early closure of the small airways possibly due to an increase in extra-vascular lung water.