The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lung function in Italian male former athletes during ageing. For this, physiometric traits were measured in adult elite volleyball players, who were aged 28 to 80 years. The variables studied were vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Changes with ageing for these traits and indices (Demeny, De Laet, Gunther, Spehl) were described within age groups, dividing the sport sample in seven 5-year groups. Effects of ageing in smokers and non-smokers were analyzed too. Our results suggest a significant decrease in respiratory function with ageing. This decrease, more marked in smoking group, did not reveal significant differences between smokers and non smokers. The possible explanations regarding the trend of traits and indices with ageing and with smoking are discussed in relation to sport selection, influence of physical training and lifestyle.
Changes in lung function with ageing in athletes.
ZACCAGNI, Luciana;GUALDI, Emanuela
2008
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lung function in Italian male former athletes during ageing. For this, physiometric traits were measured in adult elite volleyball players, who were aged 28 to 80 years. The variables studied were vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Changes with ageing for these traits and indices (Demeny, De Laet, Gunther, Spehl) were described within age groups, dividing the sport sample in seven 5-year groups. Effects of ageing in smokers and non-smokers were analyzed too. Our results suggest a significant decrease in respiratory function with ageing. This decrease, more marked in smoking group, did not reveal significant differences between smokers and non smokers. The possible explanations regarding the trend of traits and indices with ageing and with smoking are discussed in relation to sport selection, influence of physical training and lifestyle.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
