Lung Function and Respiratory Muscle Adaptations of Endurance- and Strength-Trained Males

Influence of the breathing pattern on the pulmonary function of endurance-trained athletes

Proper functioning of the respiratory system is one of the most important determinants of human health. According to current knowledge, the diaphragmatic breathing pattern seems to be the most favourable. However, recent reports indicate that athletes often have dysfunctional breathing patterns, which may be associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The influence of the type of breathing pattern on the mechanical airways in athletes has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics and relationships between breathing patterns and respiratory function in athletes. This study included 69 Polish elite endurance athletes (♂40, ♀29) in different sports disciplines and 44 (♂17, ♀27) healthy nonathletes as a control group. All participants underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry, plethysmography, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide) with assessment of breathing patterns by the Hi-Lo test. Inspiratory and expiratory resistance (R) and reactance (X) of the respiratory system at a given frequency (5 Hz, 11 Hz, and 19 Hz) were measured by a noninvasive forced oscillation technique. In this study, almost half of the athletes (44.92%) had dysfunctional breathing patterns, although at a lower rate than that in the control group. Diaphragmatic breathing patterns were characterized by higher spirometric, plethysmographic and DLCO values compared to thoracic or abdominal breathing patterns. Similarly, lower inspiratory reactance at 5 Hz (X5%pred.) was observed in the diaphragmatic pattern compared to the thoracic pattern. A diaphragmatic breathing pattern is associated with better pulmonary function test results. However, this study revealed a dysfunctional breathing pattern in almost half of the athletes. These results suggest that the assessment of breathing patterns and the implementation of breathing exercises in athletes are essential to promote proper breathing patterns.

Resistance training of peripheral muscles benefits respiratory parameters in older women with sarcopenia: Randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

Ageing entails a decrease in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which also affects respiratory function. Physical exercise is an appropriate intervention to treat both conditions. This study aims to assess the efficacy of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical parameters of respiratory function and health-related quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia.

METHODS

Fifty-one sarcopenic community-dwelling women aged 70 years and older were randomized to either six months of HIRT (n = 24) or control (n = 27). At baseline and post-intervention, participants were assessed for skeletal-muscle sarcopenia; respiratory sarcopenia status; respiratory function: spirometry (FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC, and FEF_25-75) and expiratory (MEP) and inspiratory (MIP) respiratory muscle strength parameters; and health-related QoL (EURO-QOL 5D-3 L).

RESULTS

A group-by-time interaction effect for MEP (p = 0.044, Ƞ²=0.108) was observed. CG showed a significant decrease in FEV₁ (mean difference [MD] -0.12 L; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.20, -0.05; p = 0.002); and FVC (MD -0.18 L; 95% CI -0.33, -0.03; p = 0.024) after six months, whereas the HIRT maintained respiratory function without change. Post-intervention, mean EQ-VAS increased in the HIRT and decreased in CG, resulting in a significant between-group difference (mean 73.0 standard deviation [SD] 16.99 vs 61.1 SD 18.2 points, respectively; p = 0.044). Respiratory sarcopenia status was reverted in the HIRT.

CONCLUSIONS

HIRT increased muscle strength and halted age-related respiratory function decline in sarcopenic old women. A strength intervention could benefit health-related QoL and physical well-being. REGISTERED IN CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03834558.

Impact of Body Composition Parameters on Lung Function in Athletes

Background: Given the potential risk of unhealthy weight management, the monitoring of body composition in athletes is advised. However, limited data reveal how body composition measurements can benefit athlete health and, in particular, respiratory function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of body composition on pulmonary function in a population of adult athletes. Methods: Data from 435 competitive adult athletes regarding body compositions parameters and spirometry are retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our study population consists of 335 males and 100 female athletes. Muscle mass and fat-free mass are significantly and positively associated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the male and female population, while waist-to-height ratio is negatively associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC in the male population. In multivariable analysis, muscle mass and fat-free mass show significant association with FEV1 and FVC in both males and females (p < 0.05), and waist-to-height ratio is significantly and inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fat-free mass and muscle mass are positively and independently associated with FEV1 and FVC in athletes of both genders, and waist-to-height ratio is inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC only among male athletes. These findings suggest that body composition in athletes may be helpful in monitoring respiratory function.

Can Previous Levels of Physical Activity Affect Risk Factors for Cardiorespiratory Diseases and Functional Capacity after COVID-19 Hospitalization? A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of previous levels of physical activity on hemodynamic, vascular, ventilatory, and functional outcomes after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization.

Methods

Sixty-three individuals with COVID-19 had their clinical status and previous levels (12 month) of physical activity (Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity) assessed at hospital admission. Individuals were then allocated to lower levels of physical activity (ACT_LOWER; N = 22), intermediate levels of physical activity (ACT_INTERMEDIATE; N = 22), or higher levels of physical activity (ACT_HIGHER; N = 19) groups, according to tertiles of physical activity. Resting hemodynamic (heart rate and brachial/central blood pressures) and vascular (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) variables, pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (maximal respiratory pressures), and functional capacity (handgrip strength, five-time sit-to-stand, timed-up and go, and six-minute walking tests) were measured at 30 to 45 days after hospital discharge.

Results

ACT_LOWER showed lower levels (P < 0.05) of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, maximal voluntary ventilation, and maximal expiratory pressure than ACT_HIGHER. ACT_LOWER also had lower (P = 0.023) walking distance (~21%,) and lower percentage of predicted walking distance (~20%) at six-minute walking test during follow-up than ACT_INTERMEDIATE. However, hemodynamic and vascular variables, handgrip strength, five-time sit-to-stand, and timed-up and go were not different among groups.

Conclusion

ACT_LOWER showed impaired ventilatory parameters and walking performance when compared with ACT_HIGHER and ACT_INTERMEDIATE, respectively. These results suggest that previous levels of physical activity may impact ventilatory and exercise capacity outcomes 30 to 45 days after COVID-19 hospitalization discharge.

Biomarkers and genetic polymorphisms associated with maximal fat oxidation during physical exercise: implications for metabolic health and sports performance

The maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) assessed during a graded exercise test is a remarkable physiological indicator associated with metabolic flexibility, body weight loss and endurance performance. The present review considers existing biomarkers related to MFO, highlighting the validity of maximal oxygen uptake and free fatty acid availability for predicting MFO in athletes and healthy individuals. Moreover, we emphasize the role of different key enzymes and structural proteins that regulate adipose tissue lipolysis (i.e., triacylglycerol lipase, hormone sensitive lipase, perilipin 1), fatty acid trafficking (i.e., fatty acid translocase cluster of differentiation 36) and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (i.e., citrate synthase and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes II-V) on MFO variation. Likewise, we discuss the association of MFO with different polymorphism on the ACE, ADRB3, AR and CD36 genes, identifying prospective studies that will help to elucidate the mechanisms behind such associations. In addition, we highlight existing evidence that contradict the paradigm of a higher MFO in women due to ovarian hormones activity and highlight current gaps regarding endocrine function and MFO relationship.

Respiratory muscle sequelae in young university students infected by coronavirus disease 2019: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The infection caused by coronavirus disease 2019 can lead to respiratory sequelae in individuals who have experienced severe or mild symptoms.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional study was developed, following the STROBE guidelines. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures were assessed in 50 healthy young students (26 women, 24 men; age 22.20±2.41 years). The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged between 18 and 35 years; control group: not diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019; and coronavirus disease 2019 group: diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, at least 6 months ago. The exclusion criteria were as follows: obese/overweight; infected with coronavirus disease 2019 or coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms in the last 6 months; smokers; and asthmatics.

RESULTS

When comparing with groups, the coronavirus disease 2019 group presented statistically significant lower maximal inspiratory pressure values compared with the control group (88.32±16.62 vs. 101.01±17.42 cm H2O; p=0.01). Regarding the maximal expiratory pressure, no significant differences were found. Similar results were found when performing a subgroup analysis by sex and group.

CONCLUSIONS

Young students who suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 asymptomatically or mildly at least 6 months ago presented a significant decrease in the inspiratory muscle strength as a sequel, so we believe that patients affected by this disease should have a brief postinfection assessment of this musculature to detect the indication for cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.