Lung Volume and Function in Male Adolescents in Northeast, Thailand: Students from Khon Kaen Sports School in Comparison with Other Schools in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Regular athletics or physical exercise may enhance dynamic lung volumes in male adolescents. This study is aims to test the hypothesis that male adolescents from Khon Kaen Sports School would have greater dynamic lung volumes than sedentary subjects.

Methods: A pulmonary function test was collected on 293 males training in 8 different types of sports and on 295 sedentary persons, all of whom were between 13 and 19 years of age.

Results: The athletes showed approximately 20% greater peak expiratory flow rates (PEF), maximal mid expiratory flow (FEF25-75), forced expiratory flow at 75, 50 and 25 percent of the FVC (FEF75%, FEF50%, FEF25%), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and their indices (FVCindex, FEV1index) compared to those of sedentary peers (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The data indicate that students from Khon Kaen Sports School who engaged to regular exercise had greater lung volumes than their sedentary counterparts. In order to increase dynamic lung volumes, sports should be promoted among children and adolescents.

 Key words: lung volume, lung function, mail adolescents, exercise