PULMONARY ADAPTATION AND UNKNOWN BREATHING ISSUES IN ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Abstract. Aim. This study aimed to assess baseline pulmonary function and long-term respiratory adaptations to exercise and athletic training across various groups of para-athletes. Materials and methods. Two hundred thirty-two athletes (aged 6–60 years) with varying disabilities and representing different sports disciplines underwent anthropometric and respiratory function assessments. Results. Key findings included: (i) near-normal average relative vital capacity (95–100%) was observed only in athletes engaged in orienteering, para swimming, and para cross-country skiing, whereas most participants exhibited suboptimal respiratory function relative to individual normative values; (ii) wide data ranges (min-max) indicated significant intra-group heterogeneity. Conclusion. Pulmonary function evaluation is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of athletic performance in para-athletes, with important implications for optimizing
exercise interventions and training regimen management.