Respiratory function and chest morphology related to swimming performance in high school male swimmers.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between respiratory function, chest morphology, and swimming performance. The participants were 55 male high school swimmers. We compared respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, chest circumference of the xiphoid process (chest circumference), and thoracic dilation between swimmers who achieved the standard for participation in the all-Kyushu high school swimming competition and those who did not. The results revealed that only the FEV1/FVC of those who achieved the standard was significantly lower than that of those who did not, and there were no significant differences in other respiratory functions,respiratory muscle strength, and thoracic dilation difference. Chest circumference was significantly larger in those who achieved the standard than in those who did not. These findings suggest a low possibility of association between swimming performance and respiratory function. On the other hand, our findings suggest that chest circumference may be an indicator of better swimming performance.