Comparisons of Respiratory Function and Cardiorespiratory Responses Induced by the Modified Shuttle Walk Test in Children Finswimmers and Age-Matched Sedentary Non-Athletes

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Abstract
Background: Regular aerobic exercise during childhood promotes critical physiological adaptations in the cardiovascular and respiratory system. Finswimming, a unique aquatic sport, requires high-intensity demands and specific breathing patterns. The present study aimed to compare respiratory function and cardiorespiratory responses between young male finswimmers and sedentary age-matched non-athletes. Methods: Thirty-two boys aged 8 to 12 years old were stratified into the finswimmers group (FSG, n = 16) and the non-athletes group (NAG, n = 16). Assessments included pulmonary function (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength (Maximum Inspiratory Pressure, MIP/Maximum Expiratory Pressure, MEP). Exercise capacity was evaluated using the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT). Results: The FSG exhibited significantly higher pulmonary function (Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation; p < 0.05) and superior MIP compared to the NAG (105.3 ± 24.8 versus 87.3 ± 24.7 cmH2O; p = 0.022). During the MSWT, FSG covered substantially greater distances (746.6 ± 97.2 versus 591.1 ± 86.4 m; p < 0.001) with lower levels of leg fatigue (Borg 0–10) (0.53 ± 0.39 versus 2.13 ± 1.93; p = 0.004) and demonstrated lower heart rate recovery time (4.47 ± 0.68 versus 5.75 ± 0.68 min; p < 0.001) compared to NAG. At the iso-level (8th level of MSWT), FSG scored lower levels of leg fatigue (0.13 ± 0.12 versus 2.02 ± 2.0; p = 0.001) compared to NAG, indicating better peripheral oxygen % saturation (100 ± 0.0 versus 98.14 ± 1.16; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Systematic exercise training enhances profound cardiorespiratory and peripheral muscle adaptations in children. Enhanced cardiorespiratory function allows young athletes to achieve higher workloads and recover faster than sedentary peers, highlighting the sport’s role in establishing a robust cardiorespiratory fitness.

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