The effect of a competitive season and environmental factors on pulmonary function and aerobic power in varsity hockey players

Abstract

This study examined the effect of a competitive season and environmental factors on pulmonary function and aerobic power in varsity hockey players. Fourteen male subjects completed testing before and after a 7-month varsity hockey season within ice arena conditions. All subjects completed an aerobic power (.)VO(2) (max) test on a cycle ergometer. Pulmonary function tests were performed at rest and 1, 10, 15, and 25 min after the (.)VO(2) (max) test. The arena environment was monitored during testing and throughout the season for temperature, relative humidity, gaseous chemicals, moulds, and fungi. There was no change in (.)VO(2) (max) during the season. The percent change in forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) post-exercise compared to resting FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) after the (.)VO(2) (max) test were significantly lower after the season. The arena temperature and relative humidity ranged between 13 and 16 degrees C and between 30% and 45% over the course of the season. Sulfur dioxide (0.7-4.5 ppm) was found in the arena and no airborne moulds unique to the dressing room environment were found to exceed Health Canada's guideline of 50 CFU/m(3) for indoor air quality. It was concluded that some hockey players experience limitations to pulmonary function over the course of a competitive season.