Respiratory adaptation

Respiratory adaptation is the specific changes that the respiratory system undergoes in response to the demands of physical exertion. Intense physical exertion, such as that involved in fitness training, places elevated demands on the respiratory system. Over time, this results in respiratory changes as the system adapts to these requirements.[1] These changes ultimately result in an increased exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is accompanied by an increase in metabolism.[2] Respiratory adaptation is a physiological determinant of peak endurance performance, and in elite athletes, the pulmonary system is often a limiting factor to exercise under certain conditions.[3]

Neural control

Respiratory adaptation begins almost immediately after the initiation of the physical stress associated with exercise. This triggers signals from the motor cortex that stimulate the respiratory center of the brain stem, in conjunction with feedback from the proprioreceptors in the muscles and joints of the active limbs.[4]

Breathing rate

With higher intensity training, breathing rate is increased in order to allow more air to move in and out of the lungs, which enhances gas exchange. Endurance training typically results in an increase in the respiration rate.[4]

Lung capacity

With adaptation, lung capacity is increased over time, allowing a greater quantity of air to move in and out. Endurance training typically results in an increase in tidal volume.[4]

Respiratory muscles

Muscles involved in respiration, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, increase in strength and endurance. This results in an improved ability to breathe in more air, for longer amounts of time with less fatigue. Aerobic training typically improves the endurance of respiratory muscles, whereas anaerobic training tends to increase the size and strength of respiratory muscles. [1]

Lung capillaries

Exercise increases the vascularization of the lungs. This allows the more blood flow in and out of the lungs. This enhances the uptake of oxygen, since there is greater surface area for blood to bind with haemoglobin.[1]

Alveoli

Respiratory adaptation results an increase in the number of alveoli, which enables more gas exchange to occur. This is coupled with an increase in alveolar oxygen tension.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Respiratory System Adaptations to Exercise". www.ptdirect.com. PT Direct. Archived from the original on 2016-04-24. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  2. ↑ Alley, Thomas R. (2014-02-25). "Food sharing and empathic emotion regulation: an evolutionary perspective". Frontiers in Psychology. 5. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00121. ISSN 1664-1078. PMC 3933786. PMID 24611057.
  3. ↑ McKenzie, Donald C. (2012-05-01). "Respiratory physiology: adaptations to high-level exercise". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 46 (6): 381–384. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090824. ISSN 1473-0480. PMID 22267571.
  4. 1 2 3 "Physiologic Responses and Long-Term Adaptations to Exercise". Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1999. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-08-29. Retrieved 2017-09-10.
  5. ↑ Hurtado, Alberto (30 September 1934). "Respiratory adaptation to anoxemia". American Journal of Physiology. 109. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
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