Respiratory Function and Symptoms Post Cold Air Exercise in Female High and Low Ventilation Sport Athletes
10.4168/aair.2018.10.1.43
- Author:
Michael D KENNEDY
1
;
Martin FAULHABER
Author Information
1. Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. kennedy@ualberta.ca
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Exercise-induced asthma;
exercise-induced bronchospasm;
cold climate;
cough;
extreme environments;
spirometry
- MeSH:
Asthma, Exercise-Induced;
Athletes;
Bronchoconstriction;
Cold Climate;
Cough;
Female;
Forced Expiratory Volume;
Heart Rate;
Humans;
Mouth;
Oxygen;
Running;
Spirometry;
Sports;
Ventilation;
Vital Capacity;
Weather
- From:Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
2018;10(1):43-51
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Cold weather exercise is common in many regions of the world; however, it is unclear whether respiratory function and symptom worsen progressively with colder air temperatures. Furthermore, it is unclear whether high-ventilation sport background exacerbates dysfunction and symptoms. METHODS: Seventeen active females (measure of the maximum volume of oxygen [VO(2max)]: 49.6±6.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed on different days in random order 5 blinded running trials at 0℃, -5℃, -10℃, -15℃, and -20℃ (humidity 40%) in an environmental chamber. Distance, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured within each trial; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25%-75% (FEF₂₅₋₇₅), and forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF₅₀) were measured pre- and post-test (3, 6, 10, 15, and 20 minutes). Respiratory symptoms and global effort were measured post-test spirometry. RESULTS: Mean decreases were found in FEV1 (4%-5% at 0℃, -5℃, -10℃, and -15℃; 7% at -20℃). FEF₂₅₋₇₅ and FEF₅₀ decreased 7% and 11% at -15℃ and -20℃, respectively. Post-exertion spirometry results were decreased most at 3 to 6 minutes, recovering back to baseline at 20 minutes. Respiratory symptoms and global effort significantly increased at -15℃ and -20℃ with decreased heart rate. High-ventilation sports decreased function more than low-ventilation participants but had fewer symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that intense exercise at cold air temperatures up to -20℃ is achievable; however, greater effort along with transient acute bronchoconstriction and symptoms of cough after exercising in temperatures colder than -15℃ are likely. It is recommended that individuals cover their mouth and reduce exercise intensity to ameliorate the effects of cold weather exercise.
