Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the association between lung function and exercise capacity in healthy Norwegian men

Abstract

BackgroundIt is widely accepted that exercise capacity in healthy individuals is limited by the cardiac function, while the respiratory system is considered oversized. Although there is physiological, age-related decline in both lung function and physical capacity, the association between decline in lung function and decline in exercise capacity is little studied. Therefore, we examined the longitudinal association between lung function indices and exercise capacity, assessed by the total amount of work performed on a standardized incremental test, in a cohort of middle-aged men.MethodsA total of 745 men between 40 and 59 years were examined using spirometry and standardized bicycle exercise ECG test within “The Oslo Ischemia Study,” at two time points: once during 1972–1975, and again, approximately 16 years later, during 1989–1990. The subjects exercise capacity was assessed as physical fitness i.e. the total bicycle work (in Joules) at all workloads divided by bodyweight (in kg).ResultsHigher FEV1, FVC and PEF values related to higher physical fitness at both baseline and follow-up (all p values < 0.05). Higher explanatory values were found at follow-up than baseline for FEV1 (r2 = 0.16 vs. r2 = 0.03), FVC (r2 = 0.14 vs. r2 = 0.03) and PEF (r2 = 0.13 vs. r2 = 0.02). No significant correlations were found between decline in physical fitness and declines in FEV1, FVC or PEF.ConclusionsA weak association between lung function indices and exercise capacity, assessed through physical fitness, was found in middle-aged, healthy men. This association was strengthened with increasing age, suggesting a larger role for lung function in limiting exercise capacity among elderly subjects. However, decline in physical fitness over time was not related to decline in lung function.

Sulforaphane prevents age‐associated cardiac and muscular dysfunction through Nrf2 signaling

“…A decrease in cardiac/respiratory function is known to limit exercise capacity in the elderly (Farkhooy et al, 2018). Cardiac aging is an intrinsic process with profound cellular and molecular changes that results in impaired cardiac function (Vigorito & Giallauria, 2014).…”

Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing signaling molecules on adhesion and inflammatory markers in endothelial cells

“…The infections become chronic, as P. aeruginosa develops resistance to conventional antibiotics due to its ability to produce virulence factors and modulate immune defenses by quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm production. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as the principal pathogen responsible of high morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis, one of the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive genetic disease in Northwest European populations, determined by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene [ 1 ]. This mutation determines alteration of ion transport and subsequent dehydration of the airway surface liquid, resulting in a viscous mucus layer on the airway surface of cystic fibrosis patients that deteriorate the mucociliary clearance and enhance the infection, inflammation and respiratory insufficiency [ 2 ].…”

Pulmonary function in a cohort of heart-healthy individuals from Northern Sweden - A comparison of reference values

“…It is established by previous studies that with normal aging there is a continual decline of dynamic lung volumes [25]. Both FVC and FEV1 decline with age, and the F/V-curve can present as a sign of, or mimic COPD in elderly subjects [3,26]. Due to age-related loss of elastic tissue in the lung parenchyma the lungs are increasingly prone to false obstruction when there is a significant fall in pressure during expiration.…”