Difference in breathing strategies during exercise between trained elderly men and women

Abstract

This study compared the ventilatory responses and exercise tidal flow‐volume (Vt) loops during exercise in order to analyze the influence of gender on breathing strategy in a fit aging population. Sixteen trained elderly men (63.0±2.9 years) and eight peer women (62.3 ± 5.5 years) performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer. At 90% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O 2max), the women presented a significantly higher expiratory flow limitation (EFL) than the men (38 ± 10 vs 17 ± 8% of Vt, respectively) (P<0.01) and a lower value of expiratory reserve volume relative to forced vital capacity (FVC) compared with the men (16.8 ± 5.3% vs 23.0 ± 5.2%, respectively) (P<0.05). Inspiratory reserve volume relative to FVC was significantly higher in women than men at 50% (P<0.05), 70% (P<0.01) and 90%V̇O 2max (25.2 ± 5.4% vs 12.2 ± 4.2%, respectively, at 90%V̇O 2max) (P<0.01). Mechanical ventilatory constraints occurred in trained elderly men and women. However, different breathing strategies were observed relative to gender. A significantly higher EFL was measured in women, whereas men rather presented a dynamic hyperinflation. This specific breathing strategy measured in trained elderly women would induce lower ventilatory efficiency than in peer men.