15 things nobody told you about the respiratory system and its importance in sports performance.
The respiratory system is also known as the pulmonary system; as it brings oxygen into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide. Oxygen is required in the body for various metabolic reactions to take place and energy production; hence life is essential.
Respiratory system compromises of:
- Nose
- Mouth
- Throat
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Lungs
Through external respiration, the oxygen from the air passes into the bloodstream for transportation and expels carbon dioxide from the body.
Internal respiration is the chemical activity in every living cell, requiring oxygen and glycogen to combine and release oxygen.
Inspiration is the contraction of inspiratory muscles, which decrease the pressure in the thoracic cavity as it draws the air.
Expiration is the process of relaxing inspiratory muscles to let the air out. The arteriovenous oxygen difference or a-Vo2 difference is the difference between oxygen concentration in arteries and veins. Haemoglobin is the protein in the blood that enables the cells to carry oxygen and myoglobin. Myoglobin is the oxygen-binding protein found in the heart and skeletal muscles.
Respiratory muscles play a significant role in the posture in the human movement system, directly connected to cervical and cranial portions of the body.
Excessive breathing can lead to feelings of anxiety.
If improperly trained, the athlete may incur other injuries due to fatigue.
Vo2 max is the best way to know our respiratory health
- Vo2 max = Q * a – Vo2.
- Q = HR * SV
- SV = EDV – ESV
- a–Vo2 is the difference between oxygen concentration in the arteries and veins.
- Vo2 = volume of oxygen,
- HR = heart rate,
- SV = stroke volume,
- EDV = end diastolic volume,
- ESV = end-systolic volume
- Sport is an important tool for a healthy life
Importance in sports performance:
Sport is a vital tool for a healthy life as it teaches kids and youth values like discipline, responsibility, accountability, sacrifice, and self-confidence, which are not available on the internet or the television per se.
Benefits of playing any sport:
- It improves mood, decreases anxiety, increases the feeling of well-being, and instils confidence.
- This helps to control joint pain and swelling.
- Burns calories, help one lose fat and stay fit and healthy.
- Increases stamina and endurance.
- Better cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular condition.
- Boosts morale, self-esteem, and a never give up attitude.
- It gives a different perspective of life.
- And keeps youth and people away from drugs and other harmful substances.
- It reduces the risk of colon cancer.
- We can build muscle and maintain healthy bones and joints.
- It lowers blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and premature death.