RESUMO
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Lung age estimation is a useful approach to determine pulmonary pathologies. In literature, no studies have evaluated and compared lung age in athletes with healthy volunteers. This study aims to compare lung age and respiratory muscle strength in female volleyball players and age-matched healthy volunteers. METHODS: A total of 18 female volleyball players (22.39±4.97 years) and 20 female healthy volunteers (24.85±3.33 years) were included. Pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength were assessed using a spirometer and mouth pressure device, respectively. The lung age was calculated using reference equations associated with gender, height, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. RESULTS: Lung age was significantly lower, and forced expiratory volume in 1 L, forced vital capacity, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (cmH2O, %) were higher in female volleyball players compared with healthy volunteers (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: The lung age and respiratory muscle strength of female volleyball players were better than healthy volunteers. Regular training in female volleyball players may improve respiratory functions and lung age.