GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PULMONARY FUNCTION OF ELITE ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS

Abstract

It has been reported that a high percentage of ice arena athletes are susceptible to exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Few studies have been completed regarding gender differences in pulmonary functions of EIA positive (EIA+) athletes. Research suggests little gender difference. Pulmonary function testing was completed on 31 male (M) and 33 female (F) elite National Team ice hockey players using standard spirometry. Forced exhalation time (FET) and maximal decrements in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25–75%), and peak flow (PEF) were measured after high-intensity on-ice exercise. A ± 7% post-exercise fall in FEV1 was considered EIA+; six members of each team (19.4% M, 18.2% F) were diagnosed as EIA+. Maximum fall in FEV1 was equal between genders (−10.1% M, 10.2% F) and large but non-significant differences were noted in PEF fall (−10.6% M, −20.4% F). M suffered greater falls in FVC (−14.3% vs. −4.0%, p = 0.002); F showed greater falls in FEF25–75% (−21.4% vs. +2.7%, p = 0.001). A non-integrated interpretation of FEF25–75% suggests small airway dysfunction in F and normal small airway function in M. However, the large post-exercise fall in FVC suggests small airway dysfunction in M. This concept is supported by the lack of interaction between EIA diagnosis and FET for either gender. We conclude that caution should be used when interpreting mid-expiratory flows for EIA diagnosis. Masking of FEF25–75% by large falls in FVC may be resolved by examining iso-volume mid-expiratory flow rates. Supported by the United States Olympic Committee.