Physical activity, physical fitness and respiratory function - Exercise and respiratory function

The aim of the study was to establish patterns of respiratory function in N orthern Ireland and to examine the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and respiratory function. We identified 1600 adults over 16 yr using 2 stage probability sampling. Ph ysical activity was measured using a questionnaire, physical fitness from o xygen uptake while walking on a treadmill, and respiratory function using s pirometry. The main outcome measures were a physical activity profile based on computer assisted interview, physical fitness by predicted VO(2)max, Fo rced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1). We found tha t the main findings were of relationships between activity and FVC and FEV 1 which remained after adjustment for possible confounders in men, and betw een fitness and FVC and FEV 1 in both men and women although these were not sustained after adjustment for possible confounder.