Evaluation of the ventilometric parameters of two football teams in different leagues

Abstract Introduction: Spirometry testing is a physiological test measuring lung volume and flows. Compared to the other components of the respiratory system, training does not result into significant improvements as for the increase of the expiratory flow. The assessment of the respiratory function may indicate certain disorders of the bronchi and of the lungs, but, on the other hand, it offers little information on the aerobic capacity of the individuals or the effects of physical exercises. Aim: The purpose of this research was to study the respiratory volumes in two football teams that are part of two different leagues (2nd league, and 5th league, respectively), and to compare these results with the ones at the international level. Materials and methods: We included in this research two football teams in two different leagues (2nd league, and 5th league, respectively) and, from each team, we chose the players with the highest number of minutes spent playing throughout the championship return phase. In order to perform spirometry, we used a portable spirometer (Spirotube Spirometer, PC Spirometer). The prediction method used by the spirometer software was the one presented by the European Respiratory Society and Kudson. Results: By comparing the environments of the two groups we can see that, in terms of height and weight, the two samples present close values. According to the results recorded with the help of the spirometer, the value of the forced vital capacity (FVC = 4.50) represents 98% of the normal level, and the Expiratory volume per second FEV1 (FEV1 = 4.50) represents 97% of the normal level. Within the ASU group, the value of the forced vital capacity (FVC = 5.19) represents 95% of the normal level, and the Expiratory volume per second (FEV1 = 4.45) represents 95% of the normal level. As we can see, neither of the groups reaches the normal potential. However, the CS UVT group reaches a higher percentage than the other, although they play their matches in a lower league. Conclusions: Considering that we could not compare the types of training that the two teams had during the preparation phase, we cannot say whether such trainings had a certain effect on the subjects. Further research should be carried out in order to determine if the type of training had a beneficial effect in the case of the CS UVT group.