Background: Prolonged training as in trained athletes results in the overall increase in muscular mass, metabolic power, and strength which also includes respiratory muscles. Enhancement of the respiratory muscle mass and strength can in turn result in increased respiratory efficiency which will be reflected in the increased lung function values.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the lung function of rowers and runners and to compare the lung function values of athletes in the two sports disciplines.
Materials and Methods: This is an observational comparative study conducted on 41 trained athletes consisting of 17 rowers and 24 runners who were selected on the basis of consecutive random sampling method. The participants were asked to come to the department where anthropometric data and cardiovascular variables were recorded which was followed by the recording of lung function values using MEDSPIROR a computerized pneumotachometer.
Results: Runners recorded higher lung function values than rowers. Forced vital capacity for runners was 3.36 ± 0.402, rowers was 2.22 ± 0.28, and P value was 0.0001. Forced expiratory volume1 for runners was 3.18 ± 0.29 and for rowers was 2.005 ± 0.28 with a P value of 0.0001. Maximum voluntary ventilation for runners was 151.58 ± 21.24, and for rowers, it was 119.80 ± 22.93 with a P value of 0.0001. Peak expiratory flow rate value for runners was 9.67 ± 2.71, and for rowers, it was 5.69 ± 1.65 with a P value of 0.0001.
Conclusion: The study shows a significant difference between the rowers and runners in their lung function. Runners have a higher lung function values than rowers. Running is therefore a better sports discipline for the enhancement of respiratory efficiency than rowing.
Key words: Forced Vital Capacity; Forced Expiratory Volume1; Maximum Voluntary Ventilation; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Trained Athletes; Rowers; Runners
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