Background & objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on lung function indices when performed in polluted air. Specifically, it sought to compare the immediate and delayed responses of key lung function parameters, including Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and Forced Expiratory Flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), in individuals exposed to polluted versus clean air. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental design, 20 healthy male participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group performed one session of aerobic exercise on a stationary bicycle in a polluted air environment, followed by a three-week break, and then completed one session of anaerobic exercise under the same conditions. The control group performed identical exercises in clean air. Lung function tests were conducted at three time points: before exercise, immediately after exercise (first post-test), and 24 hours after exercise (second post-test). Results: Aerobic exercise in polluted air led to significant reductions in FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75% both immediately after exercise and 24 hours later. Anaerobic exercise in polluted air also resulted in significant decreases in FVC and FEF25-75% at both post-test time points, but the reduction in FEV1 was only significant immediately after exercise. Notably, the decline in lung function indices was more pronounced following aerobic exercise compared to anaerobic exercise. Specifically, FEV1 and FEF25-75% showed greater reductions in both post-tests after aerobic exercise, while FEV1/FVC was significantly lower only in the second post-test following aerobic exercise. Conclusion: The findings indicate that aerobic exercise in polluted air has a more detrimental impact on lung function compared to anaerobic exercise. While both types of exercise led to reductions in lung function indices, the effects were more severe and persistent after aerobic exercise. These results suggest that individuals exercising in polluted environments may benefit from choosing anaerobic activities over aerobic ones to minimize respiratory health risks.
