Comparison of pulmonary function amongst Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi female athletes.

Lung functions were studied in contemporary healthy Indian female athletes of Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi origin training for running events of varying distances. The aim of the study was to compare the lung function in females belonging to these four groups to examine lung function in relation to ethnic and environmental factors. Vital Capacity (VC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in Ist second (FEV1), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), and Inspiratory Capacity (IC) were recorded using conventional closed circuit spirometry. Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) was estimated by collecting expired air during deep and rapid breathing in a 100 liters meterological balloon for a period of 15 seconds and measuring its volume. It was found that Ladakhi females were having significantly higher VC, FVC and FEV1 values than their counterparts. However, there was no significant difference in MVV amongst Delhi, Siddi and Vanvasi young females. The average MVV of Ladakhi females was only significantly higher than Siddi females (P < 0.05).

Comparison of pulmonary function amongst Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi boy athletes.

Lung functions were studied in contemporary healthy boy athletes of Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi origin. As lung function are related to ethnic and environmental factors, the aim of the study was to compare the lung function in boys belonging to these four groups. Vital Capacity (VC), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second (FEV1), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) and Inspiratory Capacity (IC) were recorded using conventional closed circuit spirometry. Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) was estimated collecting expired air during deep and rapid breathing in a 100 litres meterological balloon for a period of 15 seconds and measuring its volume. It was found that Ladakhi boys were having significantly higher VC, FVC and FEV1 values than their counterparts. However, there was no significant difference in MVV amongst Ladakhi, Delhi, Vanvasi and Siddi boys. Our results suggest that size of the lung is governed by genetic, environmental and nutritional factors and confirm that physical training during growth may help in developing a greater endurance in respiratory muscles.

Lung function in middle distance adolescent runners.

Lung functions (FVC, FEV1, ERV, IC AND MVV) were evaluated in 14 boys and 11 girls practising for middle distance running events in the age range of 13 to 17 years before and after one year training. The findings suggest that during adolescence, development of lung under proper nutritional and health conditions is governed by the process of growth with negligible additional effect of physical activity. However, physical exercises during growth may help in developing a reduced resistance to expiration and a greater endurance in respiratory muscles.

Pulmonary functions in ulcerative colitis.

The lung functions were evaluated in eighteen patients of ulcerative colitis, in a controlled study. There was statistically significant (p less than 0.01) reduction in maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). Diffusing capacity (DLCo) was also reduced. Though the reduction in DLCo was not statistically significant, the importance of this finding as compared to the controls has been discussed. The findings are suggestive of subclinical restrictive ventilatory abnormality.

Effect of incentive breathing on lung functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The effect of incentive breathing exercise was evaluated on patients of blue-bloater variety of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a controlled study. The study used a device working on the principles of biofeed back for imparting breathing exercise. Exercise was given for half an hour daily for six weeks. There was significant increase in the vital capacity (VC) and reduction in air trapping in exercise group. There was remarkable improvement in subjective feeling of well being and breathlessness.