Lung volumes related to physical activity, physical fitness, aerobic capacity and body mass index in students

A Mihailova,I Kaminska,A Vetra,L Vilka

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20163000017

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation between the function parameters of the respiratory system and the amount of physical activity, body mass index and aerobic and physical fitness in Daugavpils University students. The study involved a group of 191 students of both sexes from Daugavpils University aged 20–36 years.Students (n = 191, 123 females and 68 males, mean age 24.02 ± 0.24 years) underwent measurement of anthropometric values (height, weight), physical (PWC170 index) and aerobic fitness (predicted VO2max), spirometry (tidal volume, breathing frequency (BF), minute ventilation (MV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and vital capacity (VC) and filled in International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Both MV and VC were directly and statistically significantly associated with aerobic fitness, physical fitness and amount of physical activity. Vigorous PA independently was directly and statistically significantly associated with physical fitness and aerobic fitness. After adjusting for sex, BF was inversely and statistically significantly associated with physical activity amount in female. Both female and male had inverse and statistically significant association of BMI and relative VO2max.Reduced lung volumes were associated with lower aerobic fitness, lower physical fitness and lower amount of weekly physical activity. Healthier body mass index was associated with higher aerobic fitness (relative VO2max) in both female and male.

Highlights

Pulmonary function is a long-term predictor for overall survival rates in both genders [1, 2]
The purpose of this study was to estimate the correlation between the function parameters of the respiratory system and the amount of physical activity, body mass index and aerobic and physical fitness in Daugavpils University students
Taking into account that vigorous physical activity (PA) and lung volumes were associated both with physical fitness and aerobic capacity, we can state that physical fitness and aerobic capacity are the main factors of better lung function and this can be obtained maintaining high vigorous PA amount weekly

Summary

Introduction

Pulmonary function is a long-term predictor for overall survival rates in both genders [1, 2]. Schunemann et al state the relation of pulmonary function with mortality in general population having results from prospective study with 29-year follow-up of the Buffalo Health Study cohort of people aged 20 to 89 years [1]. Sanatana et al studied 97 men aged 67–78 years and study data showed a significant association between body composition, fat distribution, and lung function in elderly men [3]. Previous studies have investigated obesity being associated with altered lung function. It has been found that central obesity may be an important mediator of the relationship between altered lung function, adverse metabolic profiles and subsequent diabetes and CVD risk [4]. Structural changes of the thoracic-abdominal region lead to limited diaphragm mobility and rib movement, both essential for appropriate ventilation mechanics [4]

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Conclusion