The Short Term Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Responses to Exercise in Young Adults

Background: Impaired cardiovascular and respiratory functions are associated with increased mortality andmorbidity. Exploration of the relation between physical activity and cardiovascular and respiratory functions canhelp in understanding the mechanisms of how physical activity improves a person’s quality of life. Objectives: To investigate the post exercise cardio-respiratory response of normal healthy adults and to determine ifthere are gender differences in the post exercise cardio-respiratory response. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1st and 2nd year MBBS students of Shalamar Medical andDental College in the department of Physiology. Measurement of Pulmonary functions and recording of ECG wasdone by using Power LAB before and after exercise. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS version 21, student t-testwas applied and p- value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The respiratory rate, respiratory minute volume and tidal volume increased while oxygen saturationdecreased significantly after exercise. Heart rate increased significantly in post exercise period. The pre exercisesystolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly after exercise. There was a significant post exerciseincrement in diastolic pressure in males than in females. QT was significantly decreased in post-exercise period infemale subjects. Conclusion: The respiratory parameters changed significantly after exercise. Heart rate and blood pressureincreased significantly both in male and female subjects. QT interval decreased significantly only in females;however, changes in PR interval and QRS complex were not significant.