Author(s): FORBES-SCHNICK, A., MORRISON, B., MITCHELL, R., MCKINNEY, J., WELCH, J., ISSEROW, S., SHEEL, A., Institution: MCMASTER UNIVERSITY, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 535

INTRODUCTION:
Exercise training elicits favourable physiological changes and health outcomes across most organ systems, helping to attenuate age-related declines in physical function. However, it is unclear if the lungs and airways undergo similar training-induced changes. PURPOSE: To determine whether regular exercise training slows the rate of lung function decline in healthy Masters athletes (MAs).
METHODS:
Spirometry data were cross-sectionally analyzed from a subset of MAs (n=645; 407 M, 238 F; mean age: M 58±10 y, F 57±9 y) enrolled in the Masters Athlete Screening Study (MASS). All participants performed ≥3 d/wk of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 3 months (average MET-h/wk: M 80.2±42.4, F 76.8±38.4). Most had a long-term training history, with an average of 35±15yrs of consistent activity; 67% were recreational, 23% competitive, and 10% elite athletes. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1-second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and FEV₁/FVC were measured and analyzed in relation to self-reported physical activity (expressed as weekly MET-h) and cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated from peak METs achieved during the BRUCE treadmill protocol). Participants were categorized into tertiles of aerobic fitness (low, moderate, high) based on each measure to examine whether lung function decline differed by habitual activity or fitness status.
RESULTS:
Mean spirometry values were all above normal predicted ranges (eg, %predicted FVC: M 109%, F 114%). Linear regression showed no significant differences in any lung function variable across tertiles of either self-reported physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness (all P>0.05 in both sexes).
CONCLUSION:
We observed a FVC age-related decline of 35.2 mL in MAs which aligns with longitudinal estimates of 31.1–43.7 mL/year in healthy, but non-athletic, ageing adults. We interpret this to mean that in habitually active MAs, regular exercise training is not associated with structural adaptation of the lungs or airways. Our findings coupled with longitudinal data suggests that age-related declines in lung function occur regardless of long-term exercise habits.