Maximal exercise and residual lung volume: considerations for body composition analysis

Abstract

Pulmonary function was evaluated in 11 female cross country runners before and after maximal treadmill exercise. Hydrostatic weighing was also performed post exercise. Significant increases were found in both residual lung volume (X delta + 210 ml, 20.6%) and total lung capacity (X delta + 170 ml, 3.4%). These changes were not correlated to the intensity of the exercise. The magnitude of the change in residual lung volume resulted in a mean error of 12.1% in body composition prediction. Standardized testing orders are recommended.