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Changes in lung function during adolescence in athletes and non-athletes
S C Lakhera1, T C Kain, P Bandopadhyay
1Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi Cantt, India.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Adolescent lung function development in Indian boys is primarily driven by growth, with physical activity showing minimal direct impact on lung capacity. However, exercise may enhance respiratory muscle endurance and potentially lung size with strenuous training.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sports Science
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for physical development, including lung growth.
- Understanding the influence of physical activity on lung function during this phase is crucial for optimizing athletic potential and overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare lung function parameters in Indian adolescent athletes and non-athletes.
- To determine the impact of physical activity on lung development during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study over two years involving 40 Indian boys aged 13-16 years.
- Participants were divided into two groups: 20 athletes and 20 non-athletes.
- Key lung function variables measured annually included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), Inspiratory Capacity (IC), and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV).
Main Results:
- Lung development in adolescents, under adequate nutrition and health, is predominantly influenced by natural growth processes.
- Physical activity demonstrated negligible additional effects on overall lung function development.
- A potential increase in respiratory muscle endurance was observed with physical activity during growth.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent lung function is primarily governed by growth, with limited direct impact from general physical activity.
- Physical activity may enhance respiratory muscle endurance.
- Strenuous and prolonged strength training during adolescence could potentially lead to increased lung size, warranting further investigation.