The effect of resistance exercise on lung functions and quality of life in young adults

Different types of exercises performed at the right intensity and durations have positive effects on cardiovascular capacity and a number of other systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance exercise on lung function and quality of life in young adults. Twenty male (18-25 age) volunteers were divided into two groups: 8 people doing resistance training group (RTG) and the other 8 as control group (COG). Exercise group performed resistant exercises for whole muscle groups starting with 70 per cent of one repetition maximum (RM), 3 sets of 10 repetitions, and three times per week for 2 to 3 months. Before and after the training program, the respiratory and Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) parameters were measured [Vmax, Encore (USA)] and quality of life was determined by Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). The level of significance was accepted as p<0.05. There was a significant difference between RTG and COG groups in pre-exercise tests between f (p=0.02) and FVC (p=0.03) values. A positive significant change was found in endurance time (p= 0,02), VEmaks (l/dk) (p= 0,01), end tidal O2 pressure (PETO2) (p= 0,03) ve end tidal CO2 pressure (PETCO2) (p= 0,04) values before and after training in RTG. A significant change was observed only in f value in COG. In SF-36, there was a significant difference in DAG energy/vitality (p = 0.04) and general health perception (p = 0.01) sub-dimensions after training. As a result; this type of resistance exercise was found to have minimal effect on respiratory functions and aerobic capacity in young adults. Positive effect on quality of life was observed. Aerobic capacity can also be expected to improve if the training program is maintained longer and the negative elements (illness, insomnia, etc.) encountered occasionally.