Spirographic study of functional reserves of masters’ athletes in track-and field

Background and Study Aim. The progressive aging of the global population presents significant challenges, particularly in maintaining the functional reserves of vital systems. The respiratory system is crucial for sustaining physical performance. However, it is especially vulnerable to age-related decline. This study aims to assess the impact of structured physical activity on the respiratory function of sports-active veteran track-and-field athletes aged 50–59 and 60–75 years. Material and methods. A total of 93 men were examined, including 54 in the reference group (30 men with an average age of 53.67±0.25 years and 24 with an average age of 67.08±0.35 years). These men were involved in athletics in the past but did not participate in veteran sports. The study group included 29 athletics veterans. Among them, 18 individuals had an average age of 52.27±0.18 years, and 11 had an average age of 65.64±0.16 years. These athletes engage in specifically organized physical activity 2–4 times a week and have participated in athletics competitions over the last five years. Anthropometric measurements included the assessment of chest circumference at rest, maximal inspiration, maximal exhalation, and diaphragmatic excursion (DE). The functional state of the respiratory system was assessed using the SpiroCom diagnostic complex (HAI). The data were processed using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 software. Results. Sports veterans aged 50–59 years and those over 60 years exhibit statistically significant differences compared to their peers in several indicators. These include diaphragmatic excursion, tidal volume, minute volume, respiratory rate, tidal volume maximal, respiratory rate maximal, and maximal voluntary ventilation. The respiratory reserve indicator showed a lower degree of respiratory function tension during physical exertion. Statistically significantly higher values of external respiration indicators were found in veteran athletes compared to men with no regular activity (NRA). These indicators include expiratory time, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory volume maximal. Additionally, veteran athletes showed higher values in the modified Tiffeneau-Pinelli index, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75%, and forced mid-expiratory flow. As a result, sports veterans with high regular activity (RA) exhibited the lowest rates of regressive-destructive changes in the respiratory system indicators overall, with the exception of HOD and BH. In contrast, men with low RA are characterized by an accelerated rate of aging in the respiratory system. Conclusions. The results of the study identified indicators that can serve as spirographic criteria for selecting functional types. These types include individuals with low, medium, and high regular activity (RA). It has been proven that systematic exercises involving specially organized cyclic motor activity form a rational, physiologically optimal type of breathing. Additionally, these exercises inhibit age-related degenerative-dystrophic processes in the human respiratory system.