Comparative Study of Cardiopulmonary Functions in Trained Male Athletes and Singers– A Pilot Study

Objectives: Studies have shown that both physical exercise and singing have beneficial medical effects on the cardiopulmonary functions of humans in health and disease conditions, but it is not yet known whether physical exercise or singing is more effective in producing these benefits. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if there is difference between the cardiopulmonary functions in trained male athletes and singers.

Study Design: A total of 20 male human subjects, consisting of 10 trained athletes and 10 trained singers, participated in this study. The ages of the subjects ranged from 20 to 35 years. The trained athletes were individuals who have been engaging in physical exercise under the supervision of a trainer not less than 3 times in a week for 5 years or more. While the trained singers were individuals who are members of singing groups and have been singing at least 3 times in a week in the last 5 years or more.

Methods: Each subject was allowed to rest for about 15minutes in order to allow cardiorespiratory parameters return to basal resting levels. Thereafter, pressor, cardiac and pulmonary function parameters of each subject were measured.

Results: Results showed that conduction of impulses within the ventricle (QRS amplitude) and rate of conduction of impulses from the atrium to the ventricle (PR interval) were higher (P<0.02 and P<0.001 respectively) in trained athletes, while voltage supply during ventricular repolarization (T-wave amplitude) was significantly higher (P<0.001) in trained singers. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was higher (P<0.05) in trained athletes. Also, there was notable difference (P<0.001) in the FEV1% of trained athletes and trained singers.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there is no significant difference in the cardiovascular functions of trained male athletes and singers, but the effects of physical exercise could be more beneficial than that of singing on the pulmonary function.