Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function in Athletes and Non-Athletes at the Delta State University, Abraka

Regular athletic training is widely believed to enhance respiratory capacity, yet comparative data from Nigerian university populations are limited. This study compared pulmonary function indices between athletes and non-athletes at Delta State University, Abraka, South South Nigeria. Sixty university athletes registered with the sports unit were matched with 60 non-athletic students of similar age, sex distribution, and body mass index. Spirometric measurements including forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow rate, and the ratio of forced expiratory volume to vital capacity were obtained using a portable spirometer under standardised conditions. Unpaired t-tests and multivariate analysis were applied. Results showed that athletes had significantly higher forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow rate compared to non-athletes. The difference was most pronounced in track and swimming athletes. Years of training had a positive correlation with all spirometric indices. Female athletes showed similar patterns of improvement relative to female non-athletes. The study concludes that athletic training confers measurable respiratory advantages, supporting the role of regular physical exercise in optimising pulmonary health. Encouraging sports participation as part of university health promotion is recommended for students at Delta State University and beyond. Keywords: pulmonary function, spirometry, athletes, physical training, Abraka.