Ventilatory responses at submaximal exercise intensities in healthy children and adolescents during the growth spurt period: a semi-longitudinal study

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Nov;121(11):3211-3223. doi: 10.1007/s00421-021-04776-4. Epub 2021 Aug 19.

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the changes of ventilation ([Formula: see text]E), tidal volume (VT) and respiratory frequency (fr) at different incremental step test intensities during maturation of children and adolescents.

Methods: A semi-longitudinal study was conducted on 68 healthy untrained boys and girls aged 11-17 years. The subjects were separated into three distinct age groups. [Formula: see text]E, VT and fr parameters were evaluated annually during 3 years by modifying incremental step test intensities according to ventilatory threshold (VTh) level (30, 60 and 90% of [Formula: see text]O2max). Absolute and relative values of ventilatory responses were analyzed and compared according to age and developmental phase.

Results: (1) Height, weight, lean body mass and vital capacity increased significantly from 11 to 17 years of age. (2) [Formula: see text]O2max, [Formula: see text]E, and VT increased during maturation even when exercise intensity changed, especially from 11 to 15 years of age. On the other hand, fr showed a decreasing trend.

Conclusion: Increases of VT are the main reason for [Formula: see text]E increases during maturation of children. fr decreased independently of total body mass during maturation. [Formula: see text]E.kg-1 was stable despite intensity variations. VT.kg-1 increased significantly from 11 to 15 years then stabilized at 17 years. Lean body mass seems to explain the evolution of VT.kg-1 during maturation.

Keywords: Adolescents; Boys; Breathing pattern; Children; Girls; Semi-longitudinal study; Submaximal exercise.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Growth / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Respiratory Rate / physiology*
  • Tidal Volume / physiology*