The interrelationship between performance parameters and variables of respiratory function of orienteers

Abstract

Our study was undertaken to reveal the adaptive changes in the respiratory function variables of trained orienteers and their possible effect on sport performance. The investigation was carried out on trained orienteers 20–25 years age, both males and females. The respiratory function variables (BTPS) have been measured at rest and during tests of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV15). They were compared with mean distance speed on short (2.4 km) and classical (6.2 and 8.4 km) distances. Our study reveals the high levels of tidal volume (0.69–0.98 L) of orienteers at rest. Values of VC (3.69–5.77 L) and FVC (3.64–5.68 L) were closed to predicted normal levels (PNL). The FEV1 were found to be in the range 89.8%–94.8% of FVC in different groups. They significantly exceed the predicted normal levels. The value of MEF50 was found to be between 105–123% of PNL, and MEF75 – 131–144% of PNL. The significant effect of respiration variables on the sport performance of the orienteers is supported by the high values of their MVV15 ¬(129– 199.38 L/min), which lie between 121–139% of PNL. Obtained results can be interpreted as the evidence of adaptive hypertrophy of respiratory muscles and dilatation of respiratory pathways of trained orienteers. The close correlation of performance parameters and respiratory capacity of the orienteers (especially the relative indices, calculated per kg body weight) was found.