Evaluation of respiratory function indicators of elite athletes in academic rowing using the method of computer spirography

Background and Study Aim. In modern sports, the research and study of the functional capabilities of athletes' breathing is relevant. The analysis of individual results made it possible to form an idea about the respiratory functions of athletes. Among elite athletes, parameters of respiratory functions are significantly higher than the norm, so their interpretation relative to the general healthy population is inadequate. The purpose of the study is to determine lung volumes and dynamic parameters of the respiratory act and their difference in height and weight categories, respectively. Material and methods. The study involved 22 elite athletes aged 19-24 took part in the study. Testing of all athletes was carried out during the period of preparation for the competition The following research methods were used: method of anthropometry; method of computer Spirometry (was used to assess the functional state of reserve possibilities of the external breathing of athletes by absolute indicators). The studied material was processed by the methods of mathematical statistics using the "Statistica 6.0" software and MS Excel. Athletes were divided into three groups of height categories: group-A (190 cm and above), group-B (180-189 cm), group-C (170-179 cm) and three weight categories: group-D (90 kg and above), group-E (80-89 kg), group-F (70-79 kg). Results. Studies have shown that the absolute values of respiratory functions in athletes with significant hight and significant body weight are higher than in athletes with short height and insignificant weight. Real indicators of respiratory functions in most athletes are within the normal range. The highest actual indicators of respiratory functions are observed in the group of athletes with average height and average body weight. Also, in elite athletes with average height and average body weight, individual actual indicators are practically the same. Conclusion. Planning and construction of the training process requires knowledge of absolute and actual indicators of respiratory functions. The conducted research made it possible to establish the level of functional reserves of power and mobilization functions of breathing in elite-level rowers. The results allow effective planning of physical activity during training.