Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 109-116
Pulmonary Function Tests in Elderly Players Engaged in Indoor and Outdoor Game - A Comparative Study
Doiphode Rupali S*, Vinchurkar Aruna S**
*Physicist, Dept. of Physiology, Govt. Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
**Associate Professor, Dept. of Biophysics, Govt. Institute of Science, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Corresponding Author: Doiphode Rupali S
ABSTRACT
Background: Any form of physical training when done regularly, is beneficial for health. Prolonged training results in the overall increase in muscular mass, metabolic power and strength which also includes respiratory muscles. The previous studies in this field have shown that sports persons have higher values of lung volumes in comparison to their control counterparts who are not engaged in any kind of regular physical activity. Constant and consistent exercises will improve the efficiency of a vital organ, our lungs, and that all either young or even elderly individuals need to work on this organ, along with rest of their body, for a healthier life. Enhancement of the respiratory muscle mass and strength can in turn result in increased respiratory efficiency which will be reflected in increased pulmonary function test values.
Now-a-days, badminton, one of the indoor game, is quite popular among younger as well as elderly individuals. Regular practice of badminton has a profound effect in improving pulmonary functions. Evidence also suggests that playing outdoor games one of which is cricket produces many health benefits which includes endurance, stamina, balance and physical fitness.
Aims & Objectives: The type of sports and the training makes an individual to have an increase in pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. Intensity and severity of sports performed by the subjects usually determines the extent of strengthening of the inspiratory muscles and the alveolar size with a resultant increase in the lung functions. These functional tests tend to have a relationship with lifestyle such as regular exercise and a sedentary life style. Hence, the present comparative study was undertaken to evaluate pulmonary functions in elderly badminton and cricket players, so as to establish a relationship between the type of sports and pulmonary functions and also to compare those with elderly sedentary individuals
Material & Methods: The study was carried out on forty (40) badminton players, forty (40) cricket players and forty (40) sedentary age, height, weight, sex matched elderly male individuals in the age-group of 40-60 years. Pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters like FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% and MVV were recorded and studied.
Data Analysis: Unpaired ‘t’ test was applied for comparing the parameters between the two groups.
Results: Highly significant increase in all the pulmonary function test parameters were observed in both, badminton and cricket players when compared with sedentary individuals. But, badminton players had highest pulmonary functions than cricket players.
Conclusion: As a conclusion, it was determined that respiratory functions were higher among the elderly individuals who are engaged in any sport activity either indoor or outdoor, when compared to those who were sedentary. Thus, the results indicate a positive effect of sports (physical activity) on the respiratory system even in elderly age-group. In addition to this the difference of pulmonary functions between different game players, show that a particular sports branch influences the respiratory system.
Key words: Indoor Game, Outdoor Game, Elderly Badminton players, Elderly Cricket players, Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters, Sedentary Elderly Males.