| Abstrakt: |
The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) and exercise-induced hypoxemia (EIH) in female varsity ice hockey players following a competitive season. Arterial saturation (%SpO[sub 2]) levels were measured using non-invasive oximetry during a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO[sub 2 max]) on a cycle ergometer, and pulmonary function was assessed at rest and 1, 10, 15, and 25 min after the VO[sub 2 max] test conducted at ice level in an arena. The arena and outdoor environment were examined for temperature, relative humidity, gaseous chemicals, molds, and fungus. Four of 17 players presented with EIB, and 13 of 17 players suffered from EIH. Mean forced expiratory flow (FEF[sub 25-75%]) at 10, 15, and 25 min after exercise was significantly lower than the 1 min post-exercise value. There was a positive correlation between %SpO[sub 2] and forced vital capacity obtained 10, 15, 25 min post VO[sub 2 max] test (r = 0.57, 0.55, 0.57). The arena temperature was 16°C and relative humidity was 40% during testing. Sulfur dioxide was 0.9 ppm, and carbon monoxide 0.16 ppm. In addition, a variety of airborne molds were revealed in the arena. It was concluded that previously undiagnosed EIB and EIH were apparent in 23.5% and 76% of the female varsity hockey players in the present study at the end of a competitive season. It also was shown that the ice arena environment in which they trained and competed throughout the season contained the presence of some airborne contaminants known to influence EIB and pulmonary function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
