Abstract
This study compared the effects of varying aerobic training programs on pulmonary diffusing capacity (TLCO), pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (TLNO), lung capillary blood volume (Vc) and alveolar–capillary membrane diffusing capacity (DM) of gases at rest and just after maximal exercise in young athletes. Sixteen healthy young runners (16–18 years) were randomly assigned to an intense endurance training program (IET, n = 8) or to a moderate endurance training program (MET, n = 8). The training volume was similar in IET and MET but with different work intensities, and each lasted for 8 weeks. Participants performed a maximal graded cycle bicycle ergometer test to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal aerobic power (MAP) before and after the training programs. Moreover, TLCO, TLNO and Vc were measured during a single breath maneuver. After eight weeks of training, all pulmonary parameters with the exception of alveolar volume (VA) and inspiratory volume (VI) (0.104 < p < 0889; 0.001 < ES < 0.091), measured at rest and at the end of maximal exercise, showed significant group × time interactions (p < 0.05, 0.2 < ES < 4.0). Post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-to-post decreases for maximal heart rates (p < 0.0001, ES = 3.1) and improvements for VO2max (p = 0.006, ES = 2.22) in the IET group. Moreover, post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-to-post improvements in the IET for DM, TLNO, TLCO and Vc (0.001 < p < 0.0022; 2.68 < ES < 6.45). In addition, there were increases in Vc at rest, VO2max, TLNO and DM in the IET but not in the MET participants after eight weeks of training with varying exercise intensities. Our findings suggest that the intensity of training may represent the most important factor in increasing pulmonary vascular function in young athletes.
Highlights
Pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO ) from the alveoli to blood is used to determine the function of the alveolar–capillary membrane [1].Measurements of TLCO can predict arterial oxygen desaturation [2] and evaluate the prognosis of conditions such as emphysema and lung resection surgery [3]
Our results have a high test–retest reliability, with interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.92 for TLco and an ICC of 0.87 for Vc (Table 3). These ICC values were near ideal according to the classification of Landis and Koch [29]
We examined the impact of eight weeks of a varying aerobic training program on pulmonary diffusing capacity, alveolar capillary membrane diffusing capacity and capillary pulmonary blood volume in two groups of young athletes using protocols having the same volumes but different intensities
Summary
Pulmonary diffusing (or transfer) capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO ) from the alveoli to blood is used to determine the function of the alveolar–capillary membrane [1].Measurements of TLCO can predict arterial oxygen desaturation [2] and evaluate the prognosis of conditions such as emphysema and lung resection surgery [3]. Pulmonary diffusing (or transfer) capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO ) from the alveoli to blood is used to determine the function of the alveolar–capillary membrane [1]. The diffusing capacity of lungs is determined by the alveolar–capillary membrane diffusing capacity (DMCO ) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) [4]. Exercise improves TLCO in children [5] and adults [6] due to increases in Vc and DMco [7,8]. Running increases ventilatory performance in children [9], suggesting that intermittent exercise enhances respiratory demand [10] and that endurance activity alters the properties of the lung alveolar–capillary membrane by improving alveolar membrane conductance [11]. It is generally accepted that high-intensity endurance training improves pulmonary function more than low-intensity endurance training [13]
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