Lung function in middle distance adolescent runners.

Lung functions (FVC, FEV1, ERV, IC AND MVV) were evaluated in 14 boys and 11 girls practising for middle distance running events in the age range of 13 to 17 years before and after one year training. The findings suggest that during adolescence, development of lung under proper nutritional and health conditions is governed by the process of growth with negligible additional effect of physical activity. However, physical exercises during growth may help in developing a reduced resistance to expiration and a greater endurance in respiratory muscles.