The effect of physical activity level and body composition on spirometric values

"Effects of Physical Activity Level and Body Composition on Spirometric Values", Trakya University, Institute of Health Science, Department of Physical Education and Sports Department, Master / Master's Thesis, Edirne, 2025. Introduction and Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of physical activity level and body composition on spirometric respiratory parameters. Material and Methods: 30 healthy male participants were included in the study and were divided into three groups as recreational (n=10), endurance (n=10) and resistance exercise (n=10) according to their statements. Physical activity levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Body composition measurements were made with a Tanita MC-780MA brand BIA device that performs multi-frequency segmental analysis. Spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, FEF25–75, PEF, VCmax, VCin) were measured with a Spiro Scout spirometer. Chest circumference measurements were made with a standard tape measure. Results: While there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of height and trunk circumference, the body mass and BMI values of the resistance exercise group were higher than the other groups. In terms of IPAQ scores, the most active group was the endurance group, followed by the resistance and recreational groups. No difference was found in terms of the amount of trunk fat, but the trunk muscle amount of the resistance group was higher than the recreational group. FVC, VCmax and VCin values were found to be higher in the resistance and endurance groups than in the recreational group, and no difference was observed between these two groups. While FEF 25–75 values were similar between the groups, the PEF value was significantly higher only in the endurance group than in the recreational group. It was determined that FVC and VCmax values increased with age, and no relationship was found between respiratory parameters and body mass, chest circumference and body composition. FVC, FEV₁, FEF 25, PEF, VCmax and VCin were positively correlated with training frequency and duration. FEF 75 decreased as training increased; FEF 50 and FEF 25–75 increased. As height increased, FEV₁/FVC (%), FEF 25 and PEF decreased. While there was a positive correlation between physical activity level and many respiratory parameters, this was not the case for FEV₁/FVC (%) and FEF 25–75 (L/s). Conclusion: Except for age among demographic characteristics and height among anthropometric characteristics, none of the anthropometric variables positively or negatively affected the spirometric values evaluated within the scope of the study. Spirometric values are mostly affected or correlated with characteristics such as exercise/sport type, frequency and scope of training. Analyzing the same research design by collecting data in multiple centers will help to better understand the relationship/interaction between anthropometric characteristics, body composition and demographic characteristics and respiratory parameters. Keywords: Respiratory functions, physical activity level, body composition, endurance exercise, resistance exercise.