Lung Function Of Collegiate Runners After Exercise In Cold Dry And Cold Humid Environments

It is well established that lung function decreases after exercise in cold environments. However, little research has observed lung function after exercise in cold dry and cold humid environments in runners without EIB. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to observe the differences in lung function after 30 minutes of cold dry and cold humid exercise. METHODS: Six DII cross country athletes (three male, three female) completed two running trials at 5 °C at 20% (33.8 ± 8.8) and 85% (83 ± 1.4) humidity on different days in a randomized fashion. Trials were separated by one week with each trial performed at the same time of day in the same clothing. Each trial included the same 5-minute walk, 10-minute jog, and 15 minutes at 80% of 10 k personal best pace. Spirometry was performed pre, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 20 minutes post-exercise. Heart rate, pulse oximetry, and rate of perceived exertion were assessed every 5 minutes during each trial. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between cold dry and humid averages at any time post-exercise (P > 0.05). Forced vital capacity (FVC) post-exercise in cold dry changed from baseline -3.0% ± 5.8 and -4.8% ± 5.0 in cold humid. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) post-exercise changed from baseline -3.18% ± 7.4 in the cold dry and -3.54% ± 8.2 in the cold humid. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate no significant difference in acute respiratory response to exercise between cold dry and cold humid environments in division II runners.