The impact of hypodynamia and various sports on the respiratory function is not sufficiently covered in literature. About 50% of students are in a hypodynamia state, that leads to impaired respiratory function. As a consequence, health level may be reduced, risk factors may be formed and chronic diseases may be developed.

OBJECTIVE

To study the features of respiratory function at different levels and types of physical activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional comparative study, the examined population aged 18=22 years was divided into three groups: 1) 19 athletes who have been swimming for more than 5 years; 2) 15 athletes who have been practicing other sports for more than 5 years; 3) 19 persons taking no exercises. Vital capacity (VC) was measured with dry spirometer, actual VC=VC/mass (ml per 1 kg body mass) was calculated, ∆VC=(actual VC/proper VC)·100%. Shtange and Genchi functional tests were performed. Statistical processing of data was carried out in the Jamovi 2.3.28 program using non-parametric methods.

RESULTS

The actual VC and ∆VC in individuals taking no exercises were statistically significantly lower than in swimmers and other athletes (p=0.045 and p<0.005, respectively). Similar results were obtained when performing the Shtange test (p<0.0005). Swimmers and other athletes have the same results for these indicators. The Genchi test results have shown a difference between all groups (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Physical activity, especially swimming, improves respiratory function, leads to increased functional reserves of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.