Effect of Swim Training on Pulmonary Functions in Boys of Prepubertal and Pubertal Age

Abstract

Swimming is an exercise where respiratory muscles are taxed more and its effect may be seen on pulmonary functions. In prepubertal and pubertal age hormonal and other changes are also taking place in a body. In our study we wanted to see the effect of swim training on pulmonary functions in the age group of 9-12 years. The study comprised of study group of competitive male swimmers undergoing training for 3-5 years (n=30) and compared with control group (n=30) of age, sex, height and weight matched healthy subjects not participating in any sports activity.
The parameters taken into account for this study were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The unpaired student ‘t’ Test was used for statistical significance. In this study we observed the statistically significant higher values of FVC, FEV₁ and PEFR in swimmers than non-swimmers (Mean FVC of control group I-1.973, II-2.253 and study group I-2.193, II-2.480, mean FEV₁ of control group I-1.706, II-1.913 and study group I-1.913, II-2.120, mean PEFR of control group I-4.093, II-4.713 and study group I - 4.453, II - 5.140). We conclude that swimming improves the pulmonary functions of children in a prepubertal and pubertal age as compared to non-swimmers.