Unit 6, Edexcel A2 Biology

Muhadh Ismath
THE EFFECT OF EXCERSISE ON LUNG VOLUME
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to investigate the effect of lung volumesinspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, tidal volume, vital
capacity and peak flow. The way in which we did this was by using 20 moderately
trained males who were healthy and were students from the 16+ of Sidney
Stringer Academy; they were assessed and provided written consent which
confirmed their voluntary participation. A spirometer was set up and the
movements of the lid in the chamber were recorded by a kymograph. This is as
the set up was such that breathing in and out of the tube made the lid rise and
fall; this volume of air that was inhaled and exhaled was then recorded. This is as
the movement of the lid corresponds to the given volume. A canister that
contained soda lime was placed between the mouthpiece and the floating
chamber which absorbed the CO2 exhaled by the subjects. After calibration the
spirometer was then filled with oxygen. A new or sterile mouthpiece was then
placed in a tube with the tap in contact with the outside air. The subject put the
nose and mouth clip on and inhaled the outside air until they became
conditioned to breathing through the tube. The recording apparatus was then
switched on and at the end of the exhaled breath the tap was turned on so the
mouthpiece connected it to the spirometer chamber. The trace moved up and
down as the person breathed in. The subject took a deep breath to exhale as
much air as possible before returning to normal breathing. The peak flow of the
subject was then also recorded. This was repeated after the person did exercise
and this was then too recorded. A risk assessment was also conducted. From the
results we found that from the means after exercise: the inspiratory reserve
volume decreased by 0.088 dm3; expiratory reserve volume decreased by 0.073
dm3; the vital capacity decreased by 0.039 dm3. However the tidal volume
increased by 0.22 dm3, as well as this the peak flow increased after exercise by
5.6 dm3min-1. The reason for this is because after exercise tidal volume increases
to get more air for alveolar ventilation and the IRV and ERV decrease due to the
space needed in the lungs. Vital capacity is then the sum of tidal volume+ IRV+
ERV so also decreases. The stats test used was the T-test as it shows significant
difference between two sets of data. As p= 0.05, my value of t is 4.401. This is
more than my critical value of 2.1009. Therefore from all the data we have
collected so far we find that I have accepted my alternative hypothesis- there is
a significant difference between the lung volumes of individuals that exercise
compared to those that do not.
Alternate hypothesis

There is a significant difference between the lung volumes of individuals

that exercise compared to those that do not. Any difference is not due to
chance.

Null hypothesis

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There is not a significant difference between the lung volumes of
individuals that exercise compared to those that do not. Any difference is
due to chance
Aim

To investigate the effect of exercise on lung volumes- inspiratory reserve

volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), tidal volume, vital capacity
and peak flow.

Introduction
In mammals the component of the body which obtains oxygen is the lung.
Oxygen is needed by each cell in the body for cellular respiration so therefore it
plays a fundamental role for keeping us alive. Cellular respiration is the process
by which microorganisms obtain the energy that is available in carbohydrates.
They take the carbohydrates into their cytoplasm and then break it down through
a complex series of metabolic process. Generally the energy that is released is
not needed straight away; therefore they are then combined with ADP
(adenosine diphosphate) with phosphate ions to which then results in the
formation of ATP (1). The third phosphate is bonded to the other two in ADP in a
very high energy bond; therefore much energy is released when it is broken, the
energy is not stored in the adenines or the phosphates but rather in the bonds
between the molecules. During cellular respiration the waste product that is
given off is carbon dioxide, throughout it oxygen gas acts as an acceptor of
electrons. The overall mechanism of cellular respiration involves four subdivisions: Glycolysis, the krebs cycle, the electron transport chain and
chemiosmosis (3).

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Figure 1: Detailed diagram of mitochondria

(19)

Glycolysis-

Glycolysis is responsible for the production of ATP through the degradation of

glucose. It is a fundamental reaction performed by all organisms where glucose
is turned into pyruvate. The process is a multistep metabolic pathway that
occurs in the cytoplasm of microbial cells and at least six enzymes work within
the metabolic pathway.

The Krebs cycle-

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Figure 2: Diagram of the

Krebs cycle (20).

This is the sequence of reactions by which most living cells generate energy
during the process of aerobic-respiration. It takes place in the mitochondria,
using up oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and water as waste products, and
ADP is converted to energy-rich ATP. The Krebs cycle occurs at the cell
membrane of bacterial cells and the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

electron transport system-

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Figure 3-Diagram showing the electron

transport chain (21).

Unit 6, Edexcel A2 Biology

Muhadh Ismath

An electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of compounds that transfer electrons

from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions, and couples this
electron transfer with the transfer of protons (H+ ions) across a membrane. The
final electron acceptor is the oxygen atom. The electron-oxygen combination
then takes two protons to form a molecule of water (H 2O). As a final electron
acceptor, oxygen is responsible for removing electrons from the system. If
oxygen were not available, electrons will not be able passed among the
coenzymes, the energy in electrons could not be released, the proton pump
could not be established, and ATP could not be produced. Therefore we see from
this how important oxygen is to the production of ATP.

Chemiosmosis-

Chemiosmosis is the movement of ions across a selectively permeable

membrane, down their electro-chemical gradient. More specifically, it relates to
the generation of ATP by the movement of hydrogen ions across a membrane
during cellular respiration or photosynthesis. It uses light energized electrons to
1st pump H+ ions from a low concentration in the stroma. This is done by passing
through ATP Synthase; this then uses the energy from the passing H+ to create
ATP.

Figure 4-Diagram showing

chemiosmosis (22)

Respiratory system
There are many parts of the respiratory system and each of them has different
roles with in the system. Airways; these sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones
of the head. One of the functions of the airways is to regulate the humidity and
temperature of the air being breathed in. The most preferred entrance of air to
the respiratory system is the nose; this is due to the fact that the hairs on the
lining the wall are part of the air-cleaning system. As well as the nose the air also
enters through the mouth, especially in people that have a habit of breathing
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most regularly through their mouth or whose nasal passages may be temporary
blocked; i.e. by a cold or during heavy exercise. The two passages are then
connected by the throat and pass it down to the windpipe (trachea). The trachea
then divides into the two main bronchial tubes, one for each lung, which then
subdivides into each lobe of the lungs these then further divide. The throat then
collects the incoming air and passes it into the trachea; this then further
transports the air into the lungs, more specifically the alveoli. Your right lung is
divided into three lobes, and the left lung into two lobes. Each lobe is like a
balloon filled with sponge-like tissue. Each lobe of the lungs are surrounded by
pleura, this is two membranes, separating the lungs from the
chest wall (2).
Assessing breathing from the mouth against breathing from the
nose we find that from evidence it is clear to us that breathing
from the nose is the most correct and optimal way to breathe (5).
We find that breathing through the nose, if theres bacteria
present it secretes acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL); this activates
the T2R38 gene. This stimulates the noses bitter receptors that
react to the chemicals that the bacteria use to communicate.
They then stimulate nitric oxide which kills bacteria (6). The
internal nose not only provides around 90% of respiratory system
air-conditioning requirement but also recovers around 33% of exhaled heat and
Figure 5: Detailed
music. As well as these nasal breathing increases the respiratory
diagram of the lungs,
system's ability to warm and humidity air compared to oral
showing the lobes in
breathing and reduces the drying and cooling effects of the
each side (4).
(7)
increased ventilation during exercise. . During exercise, nasal
breathing causes a reduction in FE02, indicating that on expiration the
percentage of oxygen attached extracted by the air by the lungs and increases in
FECO2, which then in return indicates an increase in percentage of expired air
that is carbon dioxide(8). From this already we can see that breathing through the
nose already has many benefits. In comparison to this breathing through the
mouth, have many negatives. Within the scientific community there are many
scientists that believe that mouth breathing and hyperventilation (excessive
ventilation in the lungs) causes many medical problems, a few of them being:
asthma, high blood pressure and heart disease. As well as this it also makes
some people look dull witted or slightly unconscious.
The nasal cycle which is part of the overall body cycle, is controlled by the
hypothalamus. At any moment most of the air you breathe travels through just
one nostril; while a much smaller amount seeps through the other. Increased air
flow through the right nostril is correlated to increased left brain activity and
enhanced verbal performance, whereas increased breathing from the right nasal
cavity is associated with increased right brain activity and enhanced spatial
performance(9).

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When we look deeper, the right lung is divided into three sections or lobes.
Each lobe is almost like a balloon which is filled with sponge-like
tissue. The air then moves in and out of one opening which is the
branch bronchial tube. In contrast to this the left lung is divided
into two lobes; and has a cardiac notch which allows space
for the heart. The name for the two membranes is called
the pleura, one which is continuous and the other
which is folded within it; these surround each lobe
and separate the lung from the chest wall. The
bronchial tubes are then filled with many small hairs
called Cilia. The cilia have a wave like motion which
allows it to carry mucus which can be sticky phlegm
or liquid upward and out into the throat, where it is
there either coughed up or swallowed. The mucus is then
responsible for catching all of the dust, germs, and other
unwanted matter that has invaded the lungs. You
Figure 6: diagram showing the
get rid of this matter when you cough, sneeze,
respiratory system of the human body
(10)
clear your throat or swallow.
.
The smallest subdivisions of the bronchial tubes are the bronchioles at the end of
which air sacs are attached which are called alveoli; these air sacs are the
destination of all the air that is inhaled within the body. The walls of the alveoli
are filled with capillaries which blood that is brought through the pulmonary
artery carrying blood. The blood is then taken away by the pulmonary vein.
Within the capillaries the blood gives out carbon dioxide which diffuses through
the capillary wall into the alveoli and simultaneously oxygen within the alveoli
diffuses back into the capillaries. There is a strong wall of muscle which
separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity this is called the
diaphragm. By moving downwards it creates suction in the chest to draw air and
expand the lungs. The ribs are then bones which support and protect the chest
cavity and move to a limited amount of space.
The diaphragm is the final part of the respiratory system that we will explore; it
is located right under the lungs (Figure 6). When you breathe in, or inhale, your
diaphragm contracts and moves downwards (11). This then increases the space in
your chest cavity, into which your lungs expand. The intercostal muscles
between your ribs also help enlarge chest cavity. They contract to pull your rib
cage both upward and outward when you inhale. The diaphragm is that muscle
which separates the thoracic (chest) cavity away from the abdomen. We rely
heavily on the diaphragm for our respiratory function, therefore when its
damaged then it would greatly affect our breathing (12). The nerve that controls
our diaphragm is called the phrenic nerve which is a mixed motor/sensory nerve
that courses through the neck and the thorax to innervate the diaphragm and is
a part of the cervical plexus (13).
The way in which lung volumes are assessed is by a spirometer. A spirometer is
used in a sample test called spirometry; it is used to diagnose and monitor

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certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe in one
forced breath.

Figure 7: diagram of a
spirometry graph (27)

(Figure 7):
Tidal volume

The tidal volume is an important measure of ventilation

Fundamentally just the total volume of gas one breathed in with one
normal breath
Tidal volume can either be measured in litres (spirometry) or millilitres
(ventilatory support such as non-invasive ventilation or invasive positive
pressure ventilation).

Inspiratory reserve volume

Inspiratory Reserve Volume is the volume of gas that would need to be

inhaled on top of a normal total breath in order reach the total lung
capacity

Residual volume

Residual volume refers to the amount of gas remaining in the lungs at the
end of a forced maximum expiration.
This measurement refers to the volume of gas cant be breathed out even
with a maximum effort.

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Expiratory reserve volume

Expiratory Reserve Volume is the volume of gas that could be exhaled

after a normal tidal breath.

Vital capacity

Vital Capacity is the volume of gas breathed out from a maximum

inspiration to a maximum exhalation.
Measurements of Vital capacity are often referred to as forced (FVC) or
forced vital capacity usually measured as volume (litres).

Total lung capacity

Total Lung Capacity is the volume of gas in the lungs at the end of a
maximum inspiration.
The TLC is normally measured in litres
The Total Lung Capacity equals the residual volume + the vital capacity

The ribs
The ribs are of such structure that they enclose and protect the chest cavity.
They are made up of 24 curved ribs arranged in 12 pairs and each of these pairs
is connected to a vertebra in the spine. At the front of the body the seven pairs
of ribs attached directly to the sternum by a cartilage known as a coastal
cartilage. There are 2 classifications of ribs:

Typical Ribs
Atypical Ribs

Typical ribsThe main parts of a typical

rib are the head, neck and
body.
The wedge shaped head is
at the posterior end; it
contains two articular facets
separated by the wedge of the
bone.it then joins with the
vertebral body. The neck
contains no tiny bony
prominences, but simply connects the head
with the body.
Where the neck meets the body there is a roughed
tubercle, with a
facet for articulation with
Figure 8: A typical rib of the left side. Posterior aspect
(18)
the transverse process of
the corresponding
vertebrae. The body of the rib is flat and curved, and the internal surface of the
body has groove for the neurovascular supply of the thorax, protecting the
vessels and nerves from damage.

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In terms of the attachments of these typical ribs; the provide attachments to
intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs). There are many different types
of this:

-External Intercostal Muscles- The external

intercostal muscles are responsible for forced and
quiet inhalation.

Figure 9: Diagram showing the external

intercostal muscles of the rib cage (23)

Internal intercostal muscles. The external

muscles are the layer on top of the internal
muscles, but for the purposes of illustration
the diagram has been split to how the inner layer of the left
and the outer layer on the right
Figure 10: Diagram showing the internal
intercostal muscles of the rib cage (24)

-Innermost internal muscles. The innermost

intercostal muscle is a layer of intercostal
muscles deep to the plane that contains the
intercostal nerves and intercostal vessels and
the internal intercostal muscles.

Figure 11: Diagram showing the innermost

internal muscles of the rib cage (23)

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-TransversusThoracis. It is a thin plane of muscular and

tendinousfibers, situated upon the inner surface
of the front wall of the chest.

Figure 12: Diagram showing the

TransverusThotacis(25)

-Subcostales. The Subcostales (singular:

subcostalis) consist of muscular and
aponeurotic fasciculi, which are usually welldeveloped only in the lower part of the thorax

Figure 13: Diagram showing the

subcostales(26)

Chemoreceptors detect the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood by monitoring

the concentrations of hydrogen ions in the blood. These receptors are sensitive
to the level of carbon dioxide and the PH of the blood (in the hindbrain itself, the
carotid bodies in the carotid arteries and the aortic bodies in the aortic arch)
send impulses back to the main respiratory centre when carbon dioxide level
rises (28). An increase of carbon dioxide concentration leads to the decrease of pH
of the blood as a result of the production of H+ ions from carbonic acid. In
response for the decrease of blood pH, the respiratory centre of the brain sends
nervous impulses to the external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. This is
done via the intercostal nerve and the phrenic nerve respectively to increase
breathing rate and the volume of the lungs during inhalation.
This receptor which is also known as chemosensor, is a sensory receptor that
transduces a chemical signal into an action potential. So put simply it detects
certain chemical stimuli in the environment. There are two main classes of the
chemosensor: direct and distance. Examples for these would be olfactory
receptor neurons in the olfactory system which is an example of a distance
chemosensor. And for direct chemoreceptors include taste buds in the gustatory
system.
Chemoreceptors also then detect the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The
way in which they achieve this is as they monitor the concentration of hydrogen
ions in the blood, which have a decreasing effect on the pH of the blood. This is a
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direct consequence of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration because
carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid in an aqueous environment. In response
to this, nervous impulses get sent to the external intercostal muscles and the
diaphragm and the phrenic nerve respectively to increase breathing rate and the
volume of the lungs during inhalation.
There are two types of these receptors:
1) The central chemoreceptors- these are located on the ventrolateral
surface of medulla oblongata. The function of this is to detect changes in
the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid (a clear, colourless body fluid found in the
brain and spine). Therefore these are highly sensitive to the pH of their
environment. They have also been shown experimentally to respond to
hypercapnic hypoxia (elevated CO2, decreased O2) and eventually
desensitize.
2) The peripheral chemoreceptors- Located in the aortic body and carotid
body, on the transverse aortic arch and on the common carotid artery.
They are there primarily to detect variation of the oxygen concentration in
the arterial blood. At the same time as this they also monitor arterial pH
and carbon dioxide. They do not desensitize. As well as this their effect on
breathing rate is less than that of the central chemoreceptors.
Atypical RibsThe ribs which can be described as Atypical are 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12.
1st rib - The first rib is the most superior within the thoracic cavity. The head of
this rib has a single articular facet for synovial joint, as well as this it is relatively
small and is reinforced by the typical radiate ligament. The neck of this rib slopes
superiorly and slightly posteriorly to join the shaft. Compared to all other atypical
ribs this one is the broadest; by this I mean that its body is the widest and is
nearly horizontal.
2nd rib- The second rib is more typical. The body is thinner, and is substantially
longer than the first rib. The head has two facets for articulation. The main
atypical feature is a rough area on its upper surface.
10th rib- The head of the tenth has a single facet for articulation with its own
vertebra.
11th and 12th ribs- the eleventh and twelfth rib articulate only with the bodies of
their own vertebrae and have no tubercles or necks. Both ribs are short, have
little curve, and are pointed anteriorly. Anterior ends are free and covered with
costal cartilages.

The effect of exercise on the body

When we start to exercise the body starts responding to the change in activity
level in order to maintain a constant internal environment- which is namely
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homeostasis. One of the key benefits of exercise is that it helps normalise your
glucose, insulin and leptin by optimizing their respected receptor sensitivity.
Possibly this is the most important factor in keeping you healthy and preventing
chronic disease.
When our body exercises it is considered as stress to many of the organ
systems but this differs from the stress caused by everyday life- damage caused
to the muscles by slips and falls; in the sense that it causes the breakdown,
repair and growth of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones in the process of
creating a stronger and more resilient body. Thought this section we will explore
the effects of exercise on the muscles, respiratory system and the circulatory
system.
Effect on muscles
During exercise the muscles perform two main tasks:

Burn the available fuel for energy

Contract in response to a rush of electrical signals from the brain

During exercise the muscles are capable of burning multiple fuels during
exercise, some of these being glucose, fatty acids and amino acids. The glucose
is stored as glycogen, this is that quick burning fuel used during high intensity
exercise. The fatty acids are then stored as triglycerides within muscle cells;
these are the providers of secondary The intensity and duration of the exercise
will determine the type of fuel that is burned within the muscles (14). The body
calls upon glucose; this is that sugar that the body has stored away as glycogen,
as this is the energy required by the body to contact the muscles.
The intensity and duration of the exercise also determines the effect the exercise
has on the muscles. Aerobic exercises are those activities done under conditions
of high oxygen availability, which involves intensive periods of exercise at levels
below the maximal contraction strength and uses a high percentage of type 1
muscle fibres (slow-twitch muscles) This use of the slow-twitch muscles and the
availability of oxygen, prevents the build-up of lactic acid, this does not result in
muscle fatigue. Sustained aerobic reparation tends to shift the metabolic
pathways of the muscles to favour the use of fat as the primary use of ATP
instead of using glycogen.
In contrast to this is anaerobic respiration-this is the typical result of springing,
weight lifting and other intensive exercises. This promotes the use of type 2
muscle fibres (fast-twitch muscles) for short, high insensitive contractions. For
these contractions muscles prioritises the use of glycogen, glucose and readily
available ATP; all of this results in the build-up of lactic acid. This inhibits the
production of further ATP which directly causes muscle fatigue. As well as this
recent research shows that ion shortages, particularly calcium, during anaerobic
exercise cause muscle fatigue (15).
Effect on the respiratory system
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If we turn our attention to the effects that exercise has on the respiratory system
we find that as the system is made up of many different parts exercise has
different effects on each part; one of the organs we will explore is the lungs.
Exercise exposes the lungs to stronger rushes of air flow. Aerobic exercise in
particular exposes your lungs to strong, constant flow of air. This activity then
clears the mucus in our lungs. The reason as to why this is so good is because
mucus build up can restrict the lung capacity and lead to bacterial infections (16).
As well as this it can obstruct air flow and increase the risk of infection. Therefore
from this we can see regular exercise can help offset these conditions by
preventing mucus from building up in our lungs, showing the benefits exercise
has.
The effects of physical exercise and sports on the respiratory system mainly
depend in the alveolar changes in CO 2 levels. In fit and healthy people, arterial
CO2levels rise slightly with exercise intensity levels regardless of the route of
breathing during exercise. Since carbon dioxide is a very powerful vasodilation
agent, expanded arteries and arterioles improve blood and oxygen delivery to all
vital organs of the human body, including the heart and the brain. Vasodilation
ensures aerobic respiration in body cells making it possible for healthy people to
enjoy all the benefits of aerobic exercise without any major problems related to
tissue hypoxia causing excessive blood lactate, muscle spasms, injuries, low
recovery rates, overexcitement and stress (17).
Effect on the circulatory system
Your circulatory system consists of your heart, blood vessels and blood. It is
responsible for transporting life giving oxygen throughout your body. During
exercise the bodys need for oxygen increases as we have discussed before.
Your heart, which is also referred to as the myocardium is a four chambered
pump that is located slightly left to the centre of your chest. As the heart
registers a larger blood volume, over time the left ventricle adapts and enlarges.
This larger cavity can hold more blood, and ejects more blood per beat, even at
rest.
Ethical issues
Due to the fact that humans are being used in the experiment there are many
ethical issues that needed to be taken into consideration. This experiment of
ours is conducted for the purpose of systematically collecting and analysing data
from which generalizable conclusions may be drawn.
The main ethical issues that will be needed in regards to using humans will be
preventing or mitigating harm, trust between the participant and the researcher,
personal dignity, freedom, and the privacy of personal information.
Planned MethodThe experiment will be conducted 14/01/2016 in Sidney stringer academy.

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The spirometer is then after left full with taps closed. After this Set up the
spirometer so that adding air to the chamber makes the lid of the chamber
rise in the water, and removing air makes it fall.
Movements will be measured using a kymograph.
Tube should run from the chamber to a mouth piece and back again, will
mean that breathing in and out of the tube makes the lid of the chamber
fall and rise; and so the volume of the air that the person inhales and
exhales will be calculated from the distance the lid moves.
The apparatus should be calibrated so that the movement of the lid
corresponds to a given volume.
A canister containing soda lime has to then be inserted between the
mouthpiece and the floating chamber; this then absorbs the CO 2 that the
subjects exhale.
After calibration the spirometer will be filed with oxygen.
Rinse the mouth piece of the spirometer in antiseptic solution or use a
new mouth piece from a sterile pack.
The disinfected mouth piece will then be attached to the tube, with the tap
positioned in such a manner that so that the tap is connected with the
outside air.
The subject should put a nose clip on, and put the mouth piece on and
then inhale the outside air until they become conditioned to breathing
through the tube.
Switch on the recording apparatus and at the end of an exhaled breath
turn the tap so that the mouthpiece is connected to the spirometer
chamber. The trace will move down as the person breathes in.
After breathing normally the subject should take as deep a breath as
possible and then exhale as much air as possible before returning to
normal breathing. This should then be repeated after the subject has done
exercise.
Results should be recorded.
Method for Peak flow

Planned results tableParticipant

1
2
3
4
5

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Inspiratory
reserve
volume (dm3)

Expiratory
reserve
volume (dm3)

Tidal
Volume
(dm3)

Vital
capacity
(dm3)

Peak flow
(dm3min-1)

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6
7
8
9
10
Mean

The table will show the different volumes of each participant and finally there will
be a mean of all the different volumes. Two of these tables will be used; one
illustrating data After exercise and the other No exercise.

Planned graphs-

volume dm3

Averages

This would be a bar graph representing the different lung volumes of those
participants that did exercise and those that did not. It will encompass the
averages of the tidal volume, IRV, ERV and vital capacity.

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Volume dm3

No exercise
Exercise

Participant

This second graph will focus on one lung volume and give the volume for each
participant, for both that exercised and those that did not.

Preliminary trialParticipant

IRV (dm3)

ERV (dm3)

1
2
3
4
5

2.95
3.16
3.09
3.00
3.26

1.29
1.34
1.23
1.28
1.31

Tidal volume
(dm3)
0.53
0.56
0.44
0.48
0.50

Vital capacity
(dm3)
4.81
5.03
4.75
4.71
5.05

This table shows the results obtained by the preliminary results of participants
without exercise. However the thing I will change in the real experiment is that I
will test also the Peak flow of the person; which is the maximum speed of
expiration.
Results TableNo exercise-

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Participant

Inspiratory
reserve
volume (IRV)
(dm3)

Expiratory
reserve
volume
(ERV) (dm3)

Tidal Volume
(dm3)

Vital capacity
(dm3)

Peak flow
(dm3min-1)

2.95

1.25

0.49

4.69

526

2.89

1.18

0.43

4.50

513

2.32

1.31

0.47

4.10

472

2.98

1.28

0.51

4.77

529

3.15

1.33

0.53

5.01

541

3.07

1.23

0.42

4.72

521

5.63

1.49

0.71

7.12

811

2.99

1.26

0.47

4.72

527

3.21

1.28

0.54

5.03

547

10

3.11

1.31

0.48

4.90

538

Mean

3.23

1.29

0.51

5.03

552.5

Expiratory
reserve
volume (ERV)
(dm3)
1.19

Tidal Volume
(dm3)

Vital capacity
(dm3)

Peak flow
(dm3min-1)

Inspiratory
reserve
volume (IRV)
(dm3)
2.79

0.53

4.51

532

2.84

1.09

0.45

4.38

515

2.26

1.25

0.49

4.00

480

2.91

1.20

0.55

4.66

535

3.08

1.27

0.47

4.82

549

ExerciseParticipant

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Muhadh Ismath
6

2.99

1.13

0.72

4.84

530

5.52

1.38

0.50

7.40

814

2.89

1.22

0.56

5.67

531

3.13

1.23

0.51

4.87

552

10

3.01

1.21

0.54

4.76

543

Mean

3.142

1.217

0.532

4.991

558.1

Exercise
No exercise

Mean
Mean

IRV(dm3)

ERV (dm3)

3.142
3.23

1.217
1.29

Tidal
volume
(dm3)
0.532
0.51

Vital
capacity
(dm3)
4.991
5.03

Peak flow
(dm3min-1)
558.1
552.50

With exercise there is a need for an increase in tidal volume to get more air to
take part in alveolar ventilation and increase the oxygenation of the blood. Due
to the fact that the lungs need to expand and need space to expand there is a
decrease in IRV after exercise as tidal volume increases and takes over this
space in the lung. As well as this the ERV also decreases as the tidal volume
approaches the vital capacity. So there is a decrease in the ERV since there is a
need to respire more air from the lungs than we typically require. The vital
capacity is then the sum of the IRV+ ERV+ tidal volume.
However from the tables we find clear anomalous results from participant 7. We
later found that this was caused due to the fact that participant 7 was a weight
lifter and so he had exercised muscles. The result of this is that it caused an
increased IRV, ERV and vital capacity. Also, in addition to this the tidal volume of
0.50 dm3 was a random error. The way it had been caused was by the pencil on
the spirometer did not make marks properly, therefore it was misread. In addition
we find that the results from subject 3 showed to be the least in all volumes
before and after exercise. It was found out that this subject hid the fact that he
was asthmatic.
Graphs-

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This is a graph showing the different averages for the lung volumes. From the
graph we can clearly deduce that in every average the volume is greater after
exercise than it is before exercise. The tidal volume which holds the smallest
values in the graph, illustrates a difference of 0.022 dm 3 of volume of those
people that did exercise and those that did not. This once again is the smallest in
regards to the difference in the results. When we divert our focus to the vital

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capacity we can see that out of all other averages, the vital capacity held the
highest volume with exercise and without it.
It also showed the highest difference in volumes, with it being a difference of
0.039 dm3. The lowest volume in the graph is the average of the tidal volume
without exercise- 0.505 dm3. In contrast to this the highest volume in the graph
is the vital capacity after exercise with a volume of 5.657 dm 3.
From the error bars we can also look at the percentage change, for example if we
look at from the exercised group tidal volume we can see the percentage
decrease of the error bar was 15.4% but the percentage increase was 35.3%.
Whereas for those that did not do exercise; the percentage decrease was 17.6%
and increase was 39.2%. From these figures alone we can deduce that the
percentage change from the error bars is greater for the non-exercised group
compared to the exercised. However looking at the other groups we find that for
the exercised group in terms of ERV and IRV that the percentage increase was
relatively 13.4% and 75.7%. The percentage decrease for both these groups
were 10.4% and 28.1%. This when compared to the figures of those that did not
exercise which were- an increase of 15.5% and a decrease of 8.5% for ERV; and
an increase of 74.3% and a decrease of 28.2% for IRV. From these figures and
from looking at the error bars for vital capacity from the graph we can deduce
that the percentage error decrease was the greatest for those that did not
exercise in the tidal volume and ERV. However, the other two groups showed that
the group that exercised had the greatest percentage decrease. In addition to
this in regards to the percentage increase of the error bars we can see that the
group that exercised had the greatest in all of the groups except for Vital
capacity.
Graph showing the effects of exercise on tidal volumeAs we have looked at from Fig.7 (page 6) we found that the tidal volume is an
important measure of ventilation. This is then fundamentally the volume of gas
that is breathed in with one normal breath. The graph shows us that the
participants that exercised have larger Tidal volumes compared to those that did
not exercise. However it is also visible from the graph that all participants had a
different difference between their tidal volumes after exercise, compared to that
of which they had prior to exercise.

KEY:
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Exercise:
No exercise:

Unit 6, Edexcel A2 Biology

Muhadh Ismath

Subjects and MethodologyVariables:

Only men
The reason as to why this will be a control is because we understand that
the volume of adult female lungs is typically 10-12% smaller than that of
males who have the same height and age. The way in which this will be
controlled is by simply only allowing males to participant in the
experiment.
Healthy

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In obese people, the presence of adipose tissue around the rib cage and
abdomen and in the visceral cavity loads in the chest wall and reduces the
functional residual capacity. There is a reduction in this as well as in the
expiratory reserve volume. Therefore as all the participants are healthy
there will be no other factors that affect lung volume. The way this will be
controlled is that participants BMI range of 18.5-23 kg/m 2.
Non smokers
Smoking has adverse effects on respiratory function. It especially affects
the vital capacity of the lungs which is the amount of air the lungs can
take in. This reduction in vital capacity then has further effects on the
health of the individual. The way in which this will be controlled and
monitored is by conducting the saliva smokescreen test.
Age
Aging changes parts of your body and has effects on your lungs. The
bones in the body become thinner and change shape. This can change the
shape of your ribcage. As a result, your ribcage cannot expand and
contract as well during breathing. To minimise this being an effect the age
is limited between small ranges. The way this will be controlled is that only
participants between the ages of 16-18 will be able to participate in the
experiment.
Non professional athletes
Professional athletes on a regular basis undergo high-intensity aerobic
activities, like swimming strengthen your heart and lungs. Therefore no
professional athletes will be allowed to participate in the investigation.
No food eaten 8 hours before
If one was to eat food then their glucose concentration increases; this will
then have a direct impact on a persons ATP concentration. Simply put the
more ATP there is in the body, the more energy we will have. As well as
this in different foods there are different chemicals found in them which
will have various different effects on the body. For example caffeine affects
many different parts of the body but the factor that we are paying
attention to is the fact that it causes your heart to beat a bit faster. This
will then affect the breathing rate of a person and so affect the results.
Due to this we make sure that the patients had not eaten before for a time
of 8 hours. This is because it takes around 6-8 hours for the food to pass
through the stomach and small intestine and so this will mean that it will
have a negligible effect on our investigation.
No medical conditions
There are many medical conditions that may affect the way in which the
lung works. These medical conditions may be directly related to the lungs
such as: obstructive lung disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
restrictive lung disease; pneumonia and Mesothelioma. However less
major illnesses also affect a persons ability to exercise etc. which will then
affect the results.

The experiment will be conducted 14/01/2016 in Sidney stringer academy. A

Twenty moderately trained adults of one sex (10 males) who were healthy and
who were students attending the 6th form at Sidney stringer Academy (United
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Kingdom) volunteered to take part in this investigation. Each subjects level of
physical activity was assessed by questionnaire which helped determine who
was actually used within the experiment. All subjects had no evidence of
pulmonary pathology (e.g. asthma) or any known metabolic or endocrine
disorder. In addition to this they were all non-smokers and the subjects were
informed of the nature of the study and gave full verbal assent and written
consent.
Prior to the study, the spirometer was pre-filled with medical grade oxygen this
ensured the safety of the subject being assessed. The spirometer was then left
full with the taps closed. After this was set up, the spirometer was such that
adding air to the chamber made the lid of the chamber rise in water, and
removing air makes it fall. The movements were then recorded with a
kymograph. It was made sure that the tubes ran from the chamber to the mouth
piece and back again, this meant that that breathing in and out of the tube
makes the lid of the chamber rise and fall; and so the volume of air that was
inhaled and exhaled was calculated from the distanced the lid moved. The
apparatus was calibrated in such a way that the movement of the lid
corresponds to the given volume. A canister that contained soda lime was then
inserted between the mouthpiece and the floating chamber; this then absorbed
the CO2 that was exhaled by the subjects. After calibration the spirometer was
then filled with oxygen. The mouthpiece from the spirometer was then either
rinsed in an antiseptic solution, or a new mouth piece was used form its sterile
pack. The disinfected mouth piece was then placed onto the tube, with the tap
positioned in such a manner that it was in contact with outside air. The subject
then put both a nose clip and mouth clip on and then inhaled the outside air until
they became conditioned to breathing through the tube. The recording apparatus
was then switched on and at the end of an exhaled breath the tap was turned on
so the mouth piece connected it to the spirometer chamber. The trace then
moved down as the person breathed in. after breathing normally the subject then
took a deep breath to exhale as much air as possible before returning to normal
breathing. Then after to calculate Peak flow the mouth piece of the device was
made sure that it was sterile, and the meter was zeroed. The subject ensured
that their lips was sealed completely around the mouthpiece to ensure that no
air escaped, then inhaled as much as they could, and immediately after breathed
out into the tube. This is repeated three times and the highest value is recorded.
This was then repeated after the person did exercise and the results were
recorded.
Risk AssessmentRisk
asthmatic

Tube of spirometer not sterilised.

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Steps to minimise/avoid risk

All subjects will be asked for medical
conditions; and those that confirm that
they are asthmatic, or have any similar
condition will be omitted from
participating in the investigation
The tube of the spirometer will be

Unit 6, Edexcel A2 Biology

Muhadh Ismath
insured to be sterilised before any
participant uses it.
Those participants that are
embarrassed to enclose any medical
information, or be weighed in front of
others they will be provided the
opportunity to do such actions in
privacy and will be ensured that the
data will be confidential.

Participants being embarrassed

Stats testThe stats test that I will use is the T-test. The reason for this is because it shows
a significant difference between two data sets. In my case it will be between
those that exercised and those that did not.

T-testNon exercisers

Exercisers
2

n1

a1

1-a1

(1-a1)

n2

a2

2-a2

(2-a2)2

0.49

0.015

2.2510-

0.53

0.002

410-6

0.45

0.082

0.49

0.042

0.55

0.018

6.7241
0-3
1.7641
0-3
3.2410-

0.43

0.075

0.47

0.035

0.51

-0.005

5.6251
0-3
1.2251
0-3
2.510-5

0.53

-0.025

0.47

0.062

7.2251
0-3
4.0210-

0.72

-0.188

0.50

0.032

0.56

-0.022

6.2510
4

0.42

0.085

0.71

-0.205

8
9
10

0.47
0.54
.048

0.035
-0.035
0.025

1.2251
0-3
1.2251
0-3
6.2510-

0.51

0.505

*To see calculation refer to appendix one

26 | P a g e

0.022

4.84104

10

0.54

Mean
(2)

0.532

Mean
(1)

3.8441
0-3
3.5341
0-2
1.0241
0-3
7.8410-

-0.008

6.410-5

Unit 6, Edexcel A2 Biology

Muhadh Ismath
Limitations
We found that both subject 3 and 7 caused anomalous results as various factors
that applied to them affected the data due to the fact that they hid information
from the investigators. In order to avoid this, an improvement to the
investigation would be to check the profiles of the subjects more thoroughly.
As well as this limitations can also be derived from the method. The nose clip
that the subject may not have put on the nose clip properly. Therefore this
means that the air that the subject is breathing is not all from the spirometer,
thus meaning that the movement of the pen may be an underestimate of the
actual figure. In order to avoid this-instructions stating how to affix the nose clip
in the appropriate manner should be followed thoroughly. Another limitation
revolves around the calibration of the pen of the spirometer, which will once
again outcome in the results being either over or under valued. Once again this
should be assured to be fixed in its appropriate manner.
Other limitations revolve around the subjects. We find that we could not
guarantee if they had any underlying medical conditions which may affect the
results. We know this as we have stated previously that medical conditions will
affect the ways in which the lungs work; and so will affect the oxygen uptake of
the body, and so have an impact on the results. This is the same case if the
person has pre-existing levels of fitness. Once again, this will have a direct effect
on the oxygen uptake of the person, thus making the results less reliable. Both of
these scenarios can be avoided to the greatest extent by carrying out a full
survey of the individuals that are participating in the study, if this is not done
then it would be difficult to effectively compare between the results. Yet again
another limitation that is found in the light of the subjects is the fact that they
might have metabolic rates that are differing to a large amount. The metabolic
rate of an individual again dictates the normal oxygen uptake and so would
affect the results. However to manage this would be very difficult as the only
way in which to measure the metabolic rates of the individuals would require a
respirometer. This is impractical in my A-level lab, so this limitation would not be
able to be avoided.
Conclusion
As p= 0.05, my value of t is 4.401. This is more than my critical value of 2.1009.
Therefore from all the data we have collected so far we find that I have accepted
my alternative hypothesis- there is a significant difference between the lung
volumes of individuals that exercise compared to those that do not. As we have
explored before we know that this is due to the effects of physical exercise and
sports on the respiratory system. When we start to exercise the body starts
responding to the change in activity level in order to maintain a constant internal
environment. When our body exercises it is considered as stress in the sense
that it causes the breakdown, repair and growth of muscles, ligaments, tendons
and bones. Through sports and exercise we find that there are alveolar changes
in CO2 levels; arterial CO2 levels rise slightly with exercise intensity levels
regardless of the route of breathing during exercise. As well as this when we
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Muhadh Ismath
looked at the direct effect that it has on the lungs is that exercise expose the
lungs to stronger rushes of air flow. Aerobic exercise in particular exposes your
lungs to strong, constant flow of air. This then directly impacts on the different
volumes of lungs, for example as the lung is exposed to stronger rushes of air
the tidal volume increase. As there is need for increased area for air within the
lungs then the inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume drops.
As the vital capacity is the sum of these three lung volumes it also decreases
after exercise due to the effect of the lowered IRV and ERV. The link is not causal;
we know that exercise has an effect in the lung volumes, however there may be
other factors that effect it; e.g. genetics or diet.
Evaluating sources(27) Ballard, D. (2005). Applied Science AS/A2 OCR, Heinemann
From this book we find that the information in it is very credible due to the
simple fact that it is used nationally. However when we look at the data provided
in it we can see that it fits the results that we have found from this investigation.
Age/years
20
30
35
40
60

Range of PEF/dm3min-1
Men
540-600
595-660
600-665
600-660
530-590

women
410-445
425-465
425-465
420-455
375-410

Figure 14: Table found in source (27) page 73.

Which show normal values for peak flow.
Focusing only on the data around those that are 20 years of age and are men we
can see that all the data excluding those from subject 3 and 7 shows to fit with
having a range that is very similar to that of 540-600 dm 3min-1. This similarity
between our results shows that the data that I had collected has been valid. As
well as this, due to the fact that the data is similar to each other it becomes
more reliable.
(2) How Lungs Work American Lung Association. 2015
The American Lung Association is the leading organisation leading to save lives
by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. This association has been
running for over 100 years, founded at 1904 to fight tuberculosis as the National
Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis.
When we look into the credibility of this source we find that it is both reliable and
valid. We find that all of the information I have provided on the respiratory
system and the lungs complements that which is provided by the American Lung
Association. This then increased the validity of my information.
Appendix

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Muhadh Ismath
1.

( 1a1 2 )

S1

n 11

5.82 102 2
0.0194

( 2 a2 2 )

S2

n 21

5.48 104 2
1.82710-4

t = I 1-a1 I= 0.027

Critical value = 2.1009

t = 4.401

d.f = n1 + n2 2 = 18

S1 2

( S2 )2
n1 +
n2

4.401

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