Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
23.5K
Parasympathetic Activity and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Athletes
Julie Stang1, Trine Stensrud, Petter Mowinckel
11Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, NORWAY; 2Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, NORWAY; and 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, NORWAY.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|June 11, 2016
Summary
Endurance athletes like swimmers and skiers show high asthma rates. Increased parasympathetic nervous activity is linked to bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in swimmers, but not skiers, suggesting sport type influences asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Pulmonary medicine
- Autonomic nervous system function
Background:
- A high prevalence of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is observed in swimmers and cross-country skiers.
- Increased parasympathetic nervous activity is hypothesized to contribute to asthma development in endurance athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the associations between BHR and parasympathetic activity.
- To compare these associations in healthy and asthmatic swimmers, cross-country skiers, and nonathlete controls.
Main Methods:
- Parasympathetic activity was measured using pupillometry and heart rate variability (cardiac vagal index).
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was assessed via methacholine challenge (PD20met).
- Data were analyzed using robust regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (PD20met) was negatively associated with cardiac vagal index across all participants.
- This association was stronger in swimmers compared to controls and not significant in cross-country skiers.
- Swimmers exhibited a stronger link between parasympathetic activity and BHR, particularly in pupil response.
Conclusions:
- Parasympathetic activity measured via heart rate variability is more strongly related to BHR than pupillary response.
- The type of sport significantly influences BHR severity and its relationship with parasympathetic activity.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.7K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.7K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.8K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.8K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
2.0K
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
2.0K
01:16Sympathetic Activation
8.1K
The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
8.1K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.7K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.7K
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
5.9K
The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
5.9K