Saddleback Journal of Biology - Saddleback College

Fall 2009 Biology 3B Paper
Cromie, E. A.; Meyers, E.; Minor, M.; Murray, K. G.;
Winnett-Murray, K. 1993. The Influence of Seed
Packaging and Fruit Color on Feeding Preferences of
American Robins. Vegetatio, Vol. 107/108, 217-226
Cuthill, Innes C.; Stevens, Martin. 2007. Hidden
Messages: Are Ultraviolet Signals a Special Channel in
Avian Communication. BioScience, Vol. 57, No. 6,
501-507
Pank, Larry F. 1976. Effects of Seed and Background
Colors on Seed Acceptance by Birds.The Journal of
Wildlife Management, Vol. 40, No. 4, 769-774
Parrish, J. W., J. A. Ptacek, and K. L. Will. 1984. The
detection of near-ultraviolet light by nonmigratory and
migratory birds. Auk, 101:53-58
Slaby, Frank; Slaby, Mary. 1977. Color Preference and
Short-Term Learning by Stellar’s Jays. The Condor,
Vol. 79, No. 3, 384-386
Snow, D.W. 1954. The habitats of Eurasian tits
(Parusspp.). Ibis, 96: 565-585.
Comparison of Forced Vital Capacity among Trumpet Instrumentalists and Water Polo
Players
Sara Rose and Kristianne Salcines
Department of Biological Science
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Previously, studies have shown significant differences in the forced vital capacity of singers
and wind-instrument musicians. In this study, a more comprehensive look was taken at the
affect of controlled breathing exercises on forced vital capacity. The scope of individuals
who train in controlled breathing was expanded to include athletes. It was predicted that
there would be a significant difference in the forced vital capacity of those individuals who
train for highly controlled voluntary breathing and those who do not. Ten high school
varsity water polo players, ten trumpet players, and ten members of a control group were
compared to examine this affect. A significant difference was found between the two noncontrol
groups (the polo players and instrumentalists) and the control group. There was no
significant difference found between the instrumentalists and the polo players.
Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), asthma, EIB, and occupational lung disease
are all common lung disorders than can cause a great
amount of difficulty for those afflicted. Researchers
and doctors are constantly looking for ways to make
people with such pulmonary diseases more
comfortable. It has been suggested for years that
breathing exercises can be beneficial in increasing
breathing efficiency in patients, though this form of
treatment is uncommon. According to Parsons and
Mastronarde (2005), many athletes find that a precompetition
warm-up reduces the symptoms of EIB
that occur during their competition. The effects of
breath control training have not been very thoroughly
researched, as stated by Rong et al. (2008); "However,
the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced changes
in respiratory function and immunology have not been
well addressed."
According to Hoffstein, et al. (1999), vital
capacity in healthy, non-smoking young adults is
highly variable. It stands to reason that this high
variation in maximum expiration could be caused as
much by behavior as by body size and genetics. This
study looks at the benefits of voluntary breath training.
By putting constantly increased amount of pressure on
the lungs to perform at a higher efficiency, forced vital
capacity can be increased. "In continental Europe, 'vital
capacity' usually means the volume of gas that can be
maximally inspired, starting from deep expiration
100
Saddleback Journal of Biology
Spring 2010