In: Anatomy and Physiology
what is the difference in the respiratory flow rate of a sprinter and a marathoner?
A sprinter covers a specific distance in much more less time than a marathoner. So the sprinter has to run faster than the marathoner and also requires high amount of energy in very less time. Hence the rate of respiration in case of sprinter is more than the rate of respiration in case of marathoner. As a result the cells of the sprinter requires more amount of oxygen in a specific period of time than the amount of oxygen required by the marathoner in that period of time. Hence, the inhalation rate of sprinter is more than the marathoner.
Also the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the sprinter in a specific period of time is more than the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the marathoner in that period of time. Hence the exhalation rate of sprinter is more than the exhalation rate of marathoner.
As a result, the sprinter breathes more as compare to the breathing rate of the marathoner and subsequently the respiratory flow rate of the sprinter is more than the respiratory flow rate of the marathoner.
But also the respiratory flow rate remains high than the normal level for less time in a sprinter, but the respiratory flow rate in a marathoner remains high than the normal level for a long period.