Athlete lung: a pilot study on the changes in ventilatory functions of football players

ABSTRACT

22 football players were subjected to ventilatory function tests in 2 stages of game performance preseason and midseason. In every stage the function was assessed pregame immediate post and during recovery until pregame level was regained. Results speak of significant improvement of vital capacity, M.V.V., oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, and respiratory equivalent in mid-season than preseason values. The recovery was also significantly more efficient in the midseason than in the preseason stages. The term [athlete lung] is forwarded to coin such physiologic changes related to the stepping up of physical fitness of sportsmen as a function of training