Acute Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise under High PM2.5 Levels Does Not Influence the Pulmonary Function and Lung Diffusion Capacity in Healthy Young Men

Abstract

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) impairs the respiratory system and increases the morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases. Even though aerobic exercise is known to improve pulmonary function in diverse populations, it can lead to an increase in the inhalation of PM2.5 in polluted environments. We aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise under high PM2.5 conditions on the pulmonary function in young adults. Nine healthy young men performed indoor treadmill running in both high and low PM2.5 conditions (59.0 ± 2.1 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0 μg/m3) by a crossover study design. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at pre- and 1-h post-exercise. There was no difference in the response of pulmonary function and lung diffusion capacity to the acute aerobic exercise in high and low PM2.5 conditions (p ≥ 0.09). These findings indicate that aerobic exercise in high PM2.5 conditions may not adversely affect pulmonary function in healthy young adults.