Effect of Exercise and Age on Lung Volumes, Expiratory Capacity, and Breath-Holding Time in Young and Elderly Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in lung volumes, expiratory capacity, and respiratory endurance. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve pulmonary function; however, its role in preserving overall lung capacity and breath-holding ability across different age groups remains inadequately explored. Study Design: Cross-sectional, comparative. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise and age on lung volumes, expiratory capacity, and breath-holding time in young and elderly adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study (n=800) used a purposive sampling technique to categorize participants into four groups of n=200 each: Young Exercisers, Young Non-Exercisers, Elderly Exercisers, and Elderly Non-Exercisers. Pulmonary function was assessed using calibrated digital RMS spirometry following standard guidelines. Predicted values were calculated using the Crapo and Pérez Padilla reference equations. Parameters analyzed included FVC, FEV1, MVV, PEF, and BHT. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA. Results: Exercisers demonstrated significantly higher values of FVC, FEV₁, MVV, PEF, and BHT compared to non-exercisers p<0.01 across both age groups. While elderly participants showed lower values overall compared to the young group, elderly exercisers maintained significantly better function than their sedentary counterparts. Conclusion: Regular physical activity significantly improves lung volumes, expiratory capacity, and breath holding ability in both young and elderly adults. Exercise appears to mitigate the age-related decline in respiratory function, highlighting its importance as a non-pharmacological strategy for maintaining optimal pulmonary health across the lifespan.