A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION IN ATHLETES AND SEDENTARY WORKERS

ABSTRACT

Sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiopulmonary disease and all-cause mortality while physically active persons reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Evidence is accumulating that sedentary behaviour might be associated with increased cardiopulmonary-specific and overall mortality. Insufficient physical activity predicts premature cardiopulmonary disease mortality and disease burden. This study is aimed at investigating the cardiopulmonary function in athletes and sedentary workers using a range of indices including Blood Pressure (BP), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume₁ (FEV₁), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pulse Rate (PR).100 apparently normal healthy adult males were recruited for this study. They were selected into 5 groups with 10 subjects per range (range = 10) of athletes and sedentary workers. The result revealed that there were significant differences in the cardiopulmonary parameters and BMI across all groups. At the end of this study, the cardiopulmonary parameters showed significant differences in athletes than in sedentary workers mostly due to their physical condition, hence, sedentary workers are recommended to alternate their lifestyle to live a healthier life.