Indices Of Airway Function In In-Season Collegiate Swimmers Over Eight Weeks

The repeated exposure to disinfectant by-products in swimming pool environments may worsen pulmonary function and contribute to symptoms of exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in swimmers. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine whether spirometric indicators of pulmonary function change over an indoor swim season in competitive collegiate swimmers and to perform a pilot investigation on the efficacy of fish-oil supplementation in swimmers with EIB over the course of 8 weeks. Competitive swimmers (n=13, 18-25 years of age) were recruited for participation in the study. Swimmers underwent pulmonary function and submaximal exercise testing before and after an eight-week period. Pulmonary function was assessed at 3 and 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and t-test in the SPSS data software. Researchers observed no significant changes in pulmonary function or EIB over the course of an 8-week swim season. A better understanding of treatments for asthma and EIB symptoms is needed to help abate long term respiratory limitations that may occur due to pool environment exposure. It is also important to further exam pool quality standards to provide a safe and healthy pool environment for these athletes.