Resistive exercise training as an effective method to maintain lung function and functional capacity

Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function and functional capacity in bodybuilding practitioners, comparing them with values predicted for the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study, carried out among bodybuilding practitioners (N = 45) of both genders, aged between 20 and 60 years, with at least 4 weeks of training. Measurements of lung function (peak expiratory flow) and respiratory strength (maximum respiratory pressures) and functional capacity (6 minutes step test) were performed and compared to normal values predicted for the adult population. The significance level adopted was p< 0.05. Results: There was a statistically significant difference for all outcome variables studied, except for peak expiratory flow values (p = 0.8471). Conclusion: Weight training proved to be an effective method for maintaining maximal respiratory pressures and functional capacity.