ABSTRACT
Exercise will stimulate ventilation. The reason, as alluded to on many occasions, is that an increase in ventilation is a prerequisite for an increase in oxygen consumption. As ventilation is neurally mediated there can be a small anticipatory effect as the body prepares, however this is not too large as excessive hyperventilation is not good preparation for exercise. Pulmonary function is primarily related to the size of the thorax, which will determine the size of the lungs and thus the alveolar cross-sectional area. There are many diseases that can affect pulmonary function including chronic illnesses such as bronchitis and emphysema. One specific problem of interest to exercising children and adults is the impact of asthma, as its prevalence is seemingly on the increase. Asthma is a disease that causes a narrowing of the bronchioles, which leads to a restriction in the ability to ventilate.
