Pulmonary function is a critical indicator of respiratory health and overall physiological well-being. The assessment of pulmonary function using spirometric and gas exchange parameters provides valuable insights into lung capacity, airway patency, and oxygen utilization efficiency. Spirometry, which includes measurements such as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), is widely used to evaluate ventilatory function, while gas exchange parameters such as VO₂ max offer an index of cardiorespiratory fitness (1,2).

A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of physical inactivity, has emerged as a major public health concern due to its association with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and respiratory dysfunction (3). Conversely, regular physical activity has been linked to enhanced pulmonary performance, improved ventilatory mechanics, and more efficient oxygen delivery and utilization during physical exertion (4,5). Exercise training induces adaptive changes in both the central and peripheral components of the respiratory system, leading to increased respiratory muscle strength and alveolar gas exchange efficiency (6).

Several studies have demonstrated that physically active individuals tend to have better spirometric profiles and higher VO₂ max values than those with sedentary habits, suggesting a positive correlation between physical fitness and respiratory function (7,8). However, limited research has directly compared pulmonary function in sedentary versus active adults using both spirometric and gas exchange metrics within the same cohort.

The present study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of pulmonary function in sedentary and physically active adults, using both spirometry and gas exchange parameters, to elucidate the impact of habitual physical activity on respiratory health.

Study Design and Participants:

This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted to evaluate pulmonary function in sedentary and physically active adults. A total of 60 healthy male and female participants, aged between 20 and 40 years, were enrolled and categorized into two equal groups: sedentary (n=30) and physically active (n=30). Participants were selected using convenience sampling from the local population. Inclusion criteria included non-smokers with no history of chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Individuals with recent respiratory infections, any musculoskeletal limitations, or current medication affecting pulmonary function were excluded.

Classification Criteria:

Participants were classified as sedentary if they reported engaging in less than 30 minutes of physical activity on fewer than three days per week, as per the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) criteria. Physically active individuals met the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for the past three months.

Pulmonary Function Assessment:

All subjects underwent spirometric evaluation using a standardized portable spirometer (e.g., RMS Helios 401). Parameters measured included Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). The test was performed in a sitting position, following the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. Each subject performed three acceptable maneuvers, and the highest values were considered for analysis.

Gas Exchange Analysis:

Oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) was estimated using a submaximal treadmill exercise test (Bruce protocol), recorded through a metabolic cart system. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels were monitored at rest and post-exercise using a fingertip pulse oximeter. All testing was conducted in the morning to minimize circadian variation and environmental factors were kept consistent.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.0. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables. An independent t-test was used to compare pulmonary function and gas exchange parameters between the two groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

A total of 60 participants were evaluated, with 30 individuals in each group: sedentary and physically active. The demographic profiles, including age, gender distribution, height, and weight, showed no significant differences between the two groups, indicating appropriate baseline comparability (Table 1).

Table 1. Baseline Characteristics of Study Participants

Spirometric parameters were significantly better in the physically active group compared to the sedentary group. The mean Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was 4.3 ± 0.5 L in the active group and 3.6 ± 0.4 L in the sedentary group (p<0.001). Similarly, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were also higher in the active group (Table 2).

Table 2. Comparison of Spirometric Parameters Between Groups

Gas exchange parameters also demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups. VO₂ max was markedly higher in the physically active group (43.5 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min) compared to the sedentary group (31.7 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min, p<0.001). Resting oxygen saturation did not differ significantly between groups; however, post-exercise SpO₂ levels showed a significant reduction in the sedentary group (Table 3).

Table 3. Comparison of Gas Exchange Parameters Between Groups

Overall, the results indicate that physically active individuals have significantly better pulmonary function and gas exchange efficiency than sedentary counterparts (Tables 2 and 3).

The findings of the present study demonstrate a clear advantage in pulmonary function and gas exchange efficiency among physically active adults compared to their sedentary counterparts. These results are consistent with prior research suggesting that regular physical activity contributes to enhanced respiratory muscle strength, improved lung volumes, and more efficient oxygen transport mechanisms (1,2).

The significantly higher values of FVC, FEV₁, and PEFR observed in the physically active group reflect the positive adaptations in ventilatory capacity due to habitual exercise. Exercise training has been shown to increase chest wall compliance, reduce airway resistance, and promote better alveolar ventilation (3,4). These physiological changes enable active individuals to sustain higher ventilatory demands during physical exertion, thereby improving overall pulmonary performance (5). Moreover, increased activity is associated with greater strength and endurance of respiratory muscles, particularly the diaphragm and intercostals, leading to better spirometric outcomes (6,7).

The VO₂ max, which represents the maximum oxygen uptake during intense exercise, was significantly higher in the physically active group. This is in line with existing literature indicating that cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by VO₂ max, improves with aerobic training due to enhanced cardiac output, increased capillary density in muscles, and better mitochondrial function (8,9). Higher VO₂ max values among active individuals are indicative of improved oxygen delivery and utilization, contributing to more efficient energy metabolism during exercise (10).

Interestingly, while resting SpO₂ levels did not differ significantly between groups, the post-exercise oxygen saturation levels were notably lower in sedentary individuals. This drop may be attributed to impaired oxygen delivery and utilization during exertion, likely due to poor cardiovascular conditioning and reduced pulmonary reserve (11). In contrast, active individuals maintain better oxygen saturation even after exercise, suggesting a more robust respiratory and circulatory adaptation to physical stress (12,13).

Several studies support the current findings. García-Ramos et al. demonstrated superior spirometric values in athletes compared to sedentary adults, reinforcing the role of physical activity in maintaining lung function (14). Similarly, McArdle et al. emphasized that endurance training improves both the mechanical and metabolic components of respiration, leading to enhanced exercise tolerance and respiratory efficiency (15).

However, this study has some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the physical activity level was self-reported, which may introduce recall bias. Furthermore, other factors such as dietary habits, body composition, and genetic predispositions were not controlled, which could influence pulmonary outcomes. Future research with larger, more diverse populations and objective measures of physical activity is recommended to validate these findings further.

This study demonstrates that physically active adults exhibit significantly better pulmonary function and gas exchange parameters compared to sedentary individuals. Regular physical activity enhances lung capacity, respiratory efficiency, and oxygen utilization, underscoring the importance of an active lifestyle in maintaining optimal respiratory health.

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