Pulmonary Adaptation Response of Chemical Veterans Following 24 Sessions of Selected Aerobic Exercises

Aims: Lung complications are a common issue among chemical warfare veterans, highlighting the need to strengthen their respiratory systems. This study aimed to explore the impact of a 24-session aerobic exercise program on the lung volumes and capacities of chemical warfare veterans. Materials Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 using a pre-test and post-test design. Seventeen chemical warfare veterans with a disability rating of 25-35% were selected through purposive and convenience sampling methods and randomly divided into two groups: experimental (10 participants) and control (7 participants). The experimental group underwent an interval aerobic exercise regimen at 45-60% of heart rate reserve, three times per week for eight weeks. Lung functions were assessed using the Lung Test 1000 spirometry device. Repeated measures statistics analyzed the differences between pre-test and post-test results. Findings: Aerobic exercise significantly increased vital capacity (p=0.007), peak inspiratory flow (p 0.001), peak expiratory flow (p=0.016), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (p=0.017), maximum voluntary ventilation (p 0.001), and peak expiratory flow rates at 75% (p 0.001), 50% (p=0.001), and 25% (p=0.007). However, it did not significantly affect the ratio of forced vital capacity to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (p=0.960) or forced expiratory flow from 25 to 75% (p=0.690). Conclusion: Aerobic exercises in chemical veterans improve lung volumes and capacities.