Co-Relation Between Pulmonary Function and Physical Fitness in Middle Age Adults - An Observational Study


Authors : Shaikh Uroosa Hussain; Dr. Tayyaba Munawar; Dr. R. S. Gangatharan

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3eneznsv

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yeaj5n4r

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25sep1426

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Abstract : Background Pulmonary function and physical fitness decline progressively with age, yet limited evidence exists on their inter- relationship in middle-aged adults. Understanding this correlation is important for designing preventive strategies to maintain respiratory health and functional capacity.  Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adults aged 40–59 years, divided into four age groups (n=25 each). Physical activity levels were assessed using the IPAQ, and pulmonary function was evaluated with spirometry, measuring FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and MVV. Pearson correlation and ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis.  Results People who were more active generally had better lung function, and this trend was especially clear in the youngest subgroup (40–44 years) between IPAQ and FVC (r=0.41, p<0.05) and MVV (r=0.42, p<0.05). In older subgroups (45–59 years), correlations weakened and did not reach statistical significance. MVV demonstrated the strongest responsiveness to physical activity, while FEV1/FVC ratios remained relatively stable across all groups.  Conclusion Physical activity is positively associated with pulmonary function in early middle age, particularly influencing ventilatory capacity and respiratory muscle strength. These associations diminish with advancing age, highlighting the importance of maintaining regular physical activity from early middle age to mitigate age-related decline in pulmonary health.

Keywords : Pulmonary Function, Physical Activity, Middle-Aged Adults, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Age- Related Decline, Respiratory Health.

References :

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  2. Aline Patricia Bonato Miranda, Ada Clarice Gastaldi, Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza, Jair Licio Ferreira Santos. The Influence of Physical Fitness on Respiratory Muscle Strength in the Elderly. Am J Sports Sci. 2015;3(1):6-12. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20150301.12
  3. Janssens JP, Pache JC, Nicod LP. Physiological changes in respiratory function associated with ageing. Eur Respir J. 1999;13(1):197-205. doi:10.1034/j.1399-3003.1999.13a36.x
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Background Pulmonary function and physical fitness decline progressively with age, yet limited evidence exists on their inter- relationship in middle-aged adults. Understanding this correlation is important for designing preventive strategies to maintain respiratory health and functional capacity.  Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adults aged 40–59 years, divided into four age groups (n=25 each). Physical activity levels were assessed using the IPAQ, and pulmonary function was evaluated with spirometry, measuring FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and MVV. Pearson correlation and ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis.  Results People who were more active generally had better lung function, and this trend was especially clear in the youngest subgroup (40–44 years) between IPAQ and FVC (r=0.41, p<0.05) and MVV (r=0.42, p<0.05). In older subgroups (45–59 years), correlations weakened and did not reach statistical significance. MVV demonstrated the strongest responsiveness to physical activity, while FEV1/FVC ratios remained relatively stable across all groups.  Conclusion Physical activity is positively associated with pulmonary function in early middle age, particularly influencing ventilatory capacity and respiratory muscle strength. These associations diminish with advancing age, highlighting the importance of maintaining regular physical activity from early middle age to mitigate age-related decline in pulmonary health.

Keywords : Pulmonary Function, Physical Activity, Middle-Aged Adults, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Age- Related Decline, Respiratory Health.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

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