Influence of Indoor and Outdoor Sports Training to Cardio-Respiratory Parameters of Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sports training plays a vital role in enhancing athletic performance and supporting overall health. The study aims to evaluate the Influence of indoor and outdoor sports training to cardio-respiratory parameters of athletes. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to examine the cardio-respiratory parameters of 76 male and female athletes (aged 17-35) engaged in indoor and outdoor sports at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and lung function parameters such as force vital capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate were assessed with a digital spirometer. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 25), with results presented as mean±SD, and statistical significance determined at p<0.05 through t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: This study of 76 athletes (63.2% male, predominantly aged 18–23) examined the effects of indoor and outdoor sports training on cardio-respiratory parameters. While most participants exhibited normal cardiovascular characteristics, males had higher FVC and FEV1 values than females across both training settings, though both sexes maintained normal FEV1/FVC ratios. Outdoor training slightly improved respiratory outcomes compared to indoor training, with statistically significant differences in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratios observed among females but not males. Correlation analysis revealed positive links between indoor FVC, FEV1, and systolic blood pressure in females, suggesting sex-based variations in respiratory responses to training environments. Conclusion: This study highlights gender-specific differences in respiratory responses to exercise, with males showing higher lung capacity and females demonstrating better peak expiratory flow rates and greater sensitivity to environmental changes.