Acute Effect of Exercise on Ventilatory Function and Oxygen Saturation for Students and Employers at Kafr Elsheikh University

Abstract

Background: Acute exercise produces immediate cardiopulmonary responses that may alter ventilatory function and oxygen saturation.
Objective: To assess the acute effects of exercise on pulmonary function and oxygen saturation in healthy students and employees.
Methods: Fifty healthy men aged 18–25 years were recruited from Kafr elsheikh University. Pulmonary function parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured by spirometry and pulse oximetry before and after a graded treadmill exercise protocol. Pre- and post-exercise values were compared using a paired t test, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Exercise significantly increased FEV1 from 3.58 ± 0.33 to 3.74 ± 0.37 L (p = 0.001) and FVC from 4.10 ± 0.40 to 4.30 ± 0.40 L (p = 0.003). PEF also changed significantly (p = 0.013), while heart rate increased from 77.63 ± 9.83 to 106.19 ± 11.61 beats/min (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.390) or oxygen saturation, which changed from 95.93 ± 2.06% to 96.37 ± 1.88% (p = 0.381).
Conclusion: Acute treadmill exercise produces significant short-term changes in selected ventilatory and cardiovascular parameters, but does not significantly alter oxygen saturation in healthy young adults.