COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE FUNCTIONAL RESERVES OF RESPIRATORY MUSCLES IN ATHLETES FROM DIFFERENT SPORTS

Abstract

Aim. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the functional capacity of respiratory muscles in qualified athletes from different sports based on maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. Materials and methods. This study involved 128 male athletes from various sports and 10 age- and sex-matched non-athletes with no prior professional sports experience. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured in all participants. Results. The highest MIP and MEP values were observed in athletes practicing water sports (swimming, water polo), combined disciplines involving swimming (triathlon, polyathlon), and cross-country skiing – sports that primarily develop aerobic capacity. Intermediate values were recorded in boxers, freestyle wrestlers, long-distance runners, and team sport athletes (football, ice hockey, basketball). The lowest respiratory muscle strength was found in athletes from various martial arts (judo, sambo, Greco-Roman wrestling, karate), volleyball, and orienteering. Conclusion. Sport-specific training characteristics and regular training loads are significant factors determining the functional status and respiratory muscle strength in athletes. In qualified athletes, maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure differ significantly depending on sports specialization.