The relationship between the level of physical activity and lung function

Abstract

Physical activity is part of the basic needs of daily life, especially to improve the quality of health. Engaging in physical activity can increase blood flow through the lungs, causing oxygen to diffuse into the pulmonary capillaries with a larger or maximum volume. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of physical activity and lung function. This study is a cross-sectional analytic study with a sampling technique of consecutive sampling, using a sample of 60 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Research data were obtained using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-lf questionnaire instrument to assess physical activity levels and a vitalograph spirometer to assess FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Data were analyzed using the Spearmann Rho Correlation Test. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between physical activity level and FVC% (p=0.008 and r=0.399) and FEV1% (p=0.000 and r=0.501), while there was no significant relationship between physical activity level and FEV1/FVC ratio (p=0.071 and r=0.235). Although there was no significant relationship between physical activity level and FEV1/FVC ratio, there was a positive and unidirectional relationship between physical activity level and all lung function parameters in this study. Physical activity is one factor that has a positive influence on the respiratory system.When done regularly there will be adaptation to the body by increasing ventilation for maximum oxygen uptake and better diffusion capacity, resulting in respiratory efficiency. Therefore, students are expected to do physical activity according to recommendations to achieve health benefits, including increasing lung function parameters such as FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/ FVC ratio.