Abstract
BACKGROUND: Regular aerobic exercise is associated with variations in pulmonary function through adaptations in respiratory muscles, lung volumes, and ventilatory efficiency. Swimming and running are commonly practiced aerobic activities that show differences in their physiological and mechanical characteristics related to respiration. However, limited data are available comparing pulmonary function among recreational swimmers, recreational runners, and sedentary individuals within a narrow age group. OBJECTIVES: To compare pulmonary function tests among recreational swimmers, recreational runners, and sedentary healthy male adults aged 18-25 years. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional comparative study included healthy male participants aged 18-25 years, divided into three groups: recreational swimmers, recreational runners, and sedentary controls. Participants in the swimming and running groups reported engaging in their respective activities for approximately one hour per session, four to five times per week. Detailed assessment of training intensity, swimming stroke type, running pace, and environmental conditions was not performed. Pulmonary function tests, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), were measured using standard spirometric techniques. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and a P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study design focused on activity-based grouping rather than detailed sport-specific training characteristics. RESULTS: Pulmonary function parameters were significantly higher in recreational swimmers and recreational runners compared to sedentary controls. Recreational swimmers demonstrated the highest values of FVC, FEV₁, PEFR, and MVV, followed by recreational runners, while sedentary participants exhibited the lowest values. The differences observed among the three groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Regular participation in recreational swimming and running shows a positive association with improved pulmonary function compared to a sedentary lifestyle in healthy young adult males. Recreational swimming demonstrates a stronger relationship with higher pulmonary function values than running, possibly related to the unique respiratory demands associated with water immersion and controlled breathing patterns.