Lung Capacity
Lung capacity is the amount of air that can move in and out of the lungs during a breath. The basic principle is the greater the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during exercise, the greater the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed into the blood stream. More oxygen leads to improved performance during aerobic work.
As a result of training a number of adaptations occur within the lungs, due to the increased efficiency of the lungs, rather than changes in the size of the lungs. The strength and endurance of the lung tissue and surrounding muscles increases, a greater volume of air can be inhaled and exhaled as well as faster breathing (ventilation). Training also increases the number of capillaries in the lungs, allowing more oxygen to be absorbed with each breath taken.
No matter how efficient the cardiovascular system is in supplying adequate blood to the tissues, endurance is hindered if the respiratory system does not supply enough oxygen to meet demand. Oxygen is absorbed in the lungs, where lung capacity is important.
Total lung capacity is about 6000 mL in males and slightly less in females due to their smaller size. In general, lung volumes and capacities change little with training. Vital capacity (the amount of air that can be expelled after
maximal inspiration) increases slightly. Residual volume (the amount of air that cannot be moved out of the lungs) shows a slight decrease. Overall, total lung capacity remains relatively unchanged. Following training, tidal volume (the amount of air breathed in and out during normal respiration) is unchanged at rest and submaximal exercise. However, it appears to increase at maximal levels of exercise.
As a result of training a number of adaptations occur within the lungs, due to the increased efficiency of the lungs, rather than changes in the size of the lungs. The strength and endurance of the lung tissue and surrounding muscles increases, a greater volume of air can be inhaled and exhaled as well as faster breathing (ventilation). Training also increases the number of capillaries in the lungs, allowing more oxygen to be absorbed with each breath taken.
No matter how efficient the cardiovascular system is in supplying adequate blood to the tissues, endurance is hindered if the respiratory system does not supply enough oxygen to meet demand. Oxygen is absorbed in the lungs, where lung capacity is important.
Total lung capacity is about 6000 mL in males and slightly less in females due to their smaller size. In general, lung volumes and capacities change little with training. Vital capacity (the amount of air that can be expelled after
maximal inspiration) increases slightly. Residual volume (the amount of air that cannot be moved out of the lungs) shows a slight decrease. Overall, total lung capacity remains relatively unchanged. Following training, tidal volume (the amount of air breathed in and out during normal respiration) is unchanged at rest and submaximal exercise. However, it appears to increase at maximal levels of exercise.