Impact of moderate and high intensity exercise on lung volumes, lung capacities, and breath holding time

Abstract

Background: Exercise plays an important role in reducing the rate of decline of pulmonary function. There are very few studies done to compare the effect of intensity of exercise on pulmonary function and these studies included few parameters. Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of moderate- and high- intensity exercise training on pulmonary health and to analyze the correlation between lung volumes, capacities and respiratory muscular strength. Materials &Method: This study was conducted on 30 healthy individuals aged of 20 to 40 years. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each and performed moderate-intensity and high- intensity exercise respectively. Their pulmonary functions were analyzed using a spirometer. The Breath holding time was recorded with a 40 mmHg test. The comparison of parameters between the two groups before and after exercise was performed using paired t-test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Pearson's correlation coefficient was employed to ascertain the correlation between breath holding time and lung capacities. Results: High-intensity exercise training was found to enhance the breath holding time, vital capacity, inspiratory capacity and expiratory capacity more than moderate-intensity exercise. There was a weaker linear positive correlation between breath holding time and lung capacities. Conclusion: As high-intensity exercise shows benefits after training sessions three days per week, it can be easily brought into practice in the course of daily life in those finding time a constraint.