Effect of physical fitness status and gender on the cardiorespiratory response following an exhaustive activity in air polluted environments

Although evidence suggests that air pollution in industrial societies is associated with mortality following cardiovascular disease, there are few evidences showing the effects of physical fitness and gender. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical fitness status and gender on cardiorespiratory indexes such as the percentage of hemoglobin saturation of oxygen (SPO2), double product (DP) and spirometric indexes (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF) during exhaustive exercise in an air polluted area. In a semi-experimental design, 120 males and females aged 40-55 years old were randomly divided into 8 groups and compared with one another; 4 experimental groups (active women, active men, inactive women and inactive men) living in an air polluted region and 4 control groups (active women, active men, inactive women and inactive men) living in a clean air area. Two-way Anova shows that air pollution causes a 29.5% increase in DP, while acutely decreases FVC, FEV1 by 16.87% and 21.4% at resting status respectively. Compared to the control groups, a 26.31% increase at DP level happens in inactive men and women who live in an air polluted area. In addition, gender also increases the male resting levels of DP and FEV1/FVC ratio by 12.14% and 7.63%, respectively. Based on these findings, the air pollution exposure increases the burden on the heart and the amount of myocardial oxygen consumption. Likewise, this situation is more prominent in women. However, physical fitness modifies these indices in the air polluted environment, but it does not inhibit it.