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Comparative Study on Pulmonary Function Tests in Children Swimmers Versus Non Swimmers

INTRODUCTION: 
Active children are more likely to mature into physically active adults. When it comes to swimming, being in water is fun for children. This study compares the lung functions between children swimming regularly for the past two to three years and non-swimming children. 
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 
To assess the pulmonary ventilation of the swimming and non-swimming children by recording Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Volume percentage (FEV1 %) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) with the help of a spirometer and to compare the values between them. 
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: 
This study was conducted in our Institute. Ethical committee of our College granted approval for the study. 
Study Group: 60 male and female children of age 8 to 12 years, from Dr. M.G.R. Stadium, Race Course, Madurai who has been swimming regularly for the past two to three years. 
Control Group: Age, Sex and BMI matched 60 children who have not indulged in any sports activity. 
METHODOLOGY: 
After getting informed written consent from the parents, basal anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were recorded. The pulmonary functions were measured using portable spirobank-G. Spirometry was performed with the subject in the sitting position, head slightly elevated and nose clips applied. After taking a deep breath the subjects were asked to expire as fast and forcibly as possible into the mouth piece. The readings with the highest value were included for the study. 
RESULTS: 
Statistical analysis by student’s t- test revealed that the anthropometric and basal cardiovascular parameters did not vary significantly between the study and control group (‘p’ > 0.05). The pulmonary function tests show an increase in swimmers when compared with non swimmers (‘p’ < 0.05). 
CONCLUSION: 
The present study concludes that exercise in the form of swimming for more than two years produces a significant improvement in the pulmonary functions which is directly proportional to the duration of swimming. Hence swimming inculcated at an early age makes the children grow into a healthy, confident and self- esteemed adults.