Maximal static pressures and lung volumes in young female swimmers

The postulate that lung volumes are increased in swimmers because of a training effect that increases maximal static pressures (Pmax) thus augmenting the ability to inflate and deflate the lung was examined by comparing 38 competitively trained female swimmers to 59 controls between 7 and 13 years of age. Maximal static pressures on inspiration and expiration were generated near residual volume (RV), at functional residual capacity (FRC) and near total lung capacity (TLC). Lung volumes were measured by body plethysmography. The expected increase in lung volumes was present in the swimmers and was most marked in the oldest subjects. However, training did not have the anticipated effect on Pmax. In the younger swimmers training was associated with an increase in Pmax, but in the older swimmers Pmax was actually decreased in comparison to controls. These findings suggest that training may directly enhance lung growth, since the changes in lung volume cannot be accounted for by increases in respiratory muscle strength.