Respiratory System in Sport

BREATHING and exercise have always been closely linked in athletic training and any
physical effort is quite obviously dependent on an efficient pulmonary ventilation. The
respiratory system is the organs and other parts of your body involved in breathing, when
you exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. In fit people exercising under normal conditions
however it is not the respiratory capacity which limits maximum effort but rather the
efficiency of the heart in producing an adequate cardiac output.

The respiratory system plays a major role in athletic performance, but is not usually
considered a specific limiter that can be tested and trained. The respiratory system is one of
the most complicated in the human body. Contrary to general physiological teaching, it is
responsible for a much greater range of activity than the simple transfer of oxygen from the
external air to the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide. Gaseous exchange is diffusion
of air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries surrounding their walls. Due to partial
pressure the air in the alveoli diffuses into the blood until equilibrium is reached. Blood
entering the capillaries has a lower oxygen content and higher carbon dioxide content than
the air in the alveoli.

Oxygen diffuses into the blood via the surfaces of the alveoli, through the thin walls of
the capillaries. Carbon dioxide diffuses in the opposite direction, from blood into the alveoli.
In normal breathing only inspiration is carried out by muscular effort. The diaphragm and
intercostal muscles enlarging the volume of the chest cage. Gaseous exchange is important
to a marathon runner because they need a fresh supply of oxygen and the removal of
carbon dioxide throughout their run if they are to complete the course.

Pulmonary ventilation (breathing) is the process by which air is transported in and out
of the lungs, it can be considered to have two phases: inspiration and expiration. During
inspiration the intercostal muscles contract to lift the ribs upwards and outwards, at the same
time the diaphragm is forced downwards. This expansion of the thorax causes a drop in
pressure. Consequently, air floods into the lungs. Expiration follows inspiration as the
intercostal muscles relax, the diaphragm extends upwards and the ribs collapse. At this
point,pressure within the lungs is increased and air is expelled.

During a football match a midfielder will require more oxygen. There for the
mechanics of breathing needs to increase in speed. This means that the intercoastal
muscles and diaphragm must work harder. A football player needs more oxygen especially
when they need to run so the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide will be fast. If an
athlete lacks of oxygen in their blood it will lead to muscle or cramp or worst it can be faint or
death. Respiratory system is really important for human for their daily life including when
they are exercising or joining sport. We need to take care of our respiratory system and
avoid it from viruses such Covid-19 that shown up lately. Make sure to keep yourself clean
by washing your hands often and go see doctor if you feel unwell.