ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-PULMONARY EFFICIENCY IN ATHLETES AND NON-ATHLETES

Cardiopulmonary efficiency was studied in 18 Indian medical students and 19 state level athletes by estimating maximal oxygen uptake rvo,max), and other parameters related to oxygen transport i.e., heart rate, 0, pulse, respiratory quotient, ventilation volume, breathing reserve and dysponocic index, following graded exercise on a treadmill. Higher va, max observed in athletes, was due t.o higher stroke volume and arterio-venous a difference. Though athletes had higher breathing reserve at va, max work load, their dysponoeic index and ventilation volume at vo, max did not differ significantly from non-athletes suggesting that athletes were economical in expending energy for work of breathing during exercise.