Abstract
The effects related to work at high altitudes and acceleration force overload can generate physiological compensation mechanisms and eventual short-, medium- and long-term changes in lung function. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the chronic changes in lung function in combat pilots of the Brazilian Air Force. The sample consisted of 19 combat pilots and 20 controls. For pulmonary function measurements, we observed an increase in the mean values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (FEV1), a decrease in lung volume, an increase in resistance and work of breathing, in the exposed group compared to the control, with significant modifications to Residual Volume (RV) by Total Lung Capacity (TLC) in liters (L) and percentage (%). Similar behavior when evaluated according to flight hours, with an increase proportional to the increase in exposure time. Discrete changes, such as those observed in this research, may reflect adaptations of the respiratory system, bringing a complementary view to changes in chronic conditions.
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