Lung Function Changes with Swim Training in Healthy and Allergic Endurance Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pulmonary Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Swimming may improve lung function more than land sports.
• The role of genetics versus training in these adaptations is debated.
• This study investigates lung function in swimmers based on training experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if swim training leads to enhanced lung function.
• To compare lung function across swimmers, triathletes, and runners.
• To assess the impact of water immersion on lung function measurements.

Main Methods:

• 45 male athletes (15 swimmers, 15 triathletes, 15 runners) participated.
• Spirometry was performed in four conditions: seated/prone on land and seated/prone in water.
• Testing occurred on the pool deck and in the pool, with randomized conditions.

Main Results:

• Lung function (FVC, FEV1) increases are linked to accumulated swim training years, not a specific childhood window.
• Water immersion, particularly seated, better reflects lung function differences related to swim training.
• Swim training enhances FVC in healthy athletes; FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% in allergic/asthmatic athletes.

Conclusions:

• Adaptations in lung function are a result of cumulative swim training, not a critical developmental period.
• Water immersion provides a more sensitive measure for assessing training-related lung function changes.
• Swim training offers specific benefits for different athlete groups, impacting FVC or FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75%.