INFLUENCE OF TRAINING ON ALVEOLAR CAPILLARY GAS EXCHANGE

Abstract

In order to see the effects of endurance training for 12 weeks, oxygen intake and cardio-respiratory parameters (mainly alveolar capillary gas exchange) were measured at rest and during submaximal and maximal work in bicycle exercise. Static lung volume, functional capacity, heart volume (HV) and body composition were also measured. Subjects were 5 male between the ages of 15-16 years. The subjects were not engaged in regular physical activity during their daily life. Comparisons were made of another 5 male track and field athletes aged 18-20 years for the determination of Alveolar-arterial O₂difference (A-aDO₂) at rest and during exercise up through the maximal level. There was no significant difference in total body fat %, HV and pulmonary function measurements (VC, FEV 1.0, MMF, DL_co) except MVV between pre and post training. During submaximal exercise minute ventilation was significantly lower after training. Maximal oxygen intake increased significantly after training (29 %, p<0.05) . DL_coincreased liniarly with increasing VO₂. There was no significant difference in DL_coduring submaximal up through maximal exercise between pre and post training. Higher PAO₂ (106.1±4.6 mmHg) and lower PaO₂ (77.1±4.0 mmHg) resulting in larger AaDO₂ (29.0±2.6 mmHg) being present in non-athletes group than athletes during heavy exercise suggested that there was a evidence of diffusion limitation at maximal level of work.