The Effect Of Physical Activity On Pulmonary Function In Patients With Pectus Excavatum

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the level of physical activity on pulmonary function in patients with pectus excavatum.Material and methods. This study included 47 patients diagnosed with pectus excavatum, with a median age of 19 years (min. 17 years, max. 26 years). The degree of deformity was evaluated clinically by anthropometric measurement. Spirometry was used for the evaluation of pulmonary function. The demographic, clinical data, and experience of patients with sporting activity were examined using a questionnaire. The self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) was used to determine physical activity levels.Results. With higher physical activity, there was statistically significant higher inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) (rho=0.628), forced vital capacity (FVCex) (rho=0.455), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (rho=0.356). A statistically significant relationship was observed between deformity rate and spirometric parameters for FEV1 (p=0.011), maximal expiratory flow rate of 75% FVC (MEF75) (p<0.0001), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (p<0.0001).Conclusions. Respiratory functions of patients with chest deformity are positively influenced by physical activity.