Standard spirometry was carried out before exercise and after
10 and 35 minutes of recovery in all subjects according to
the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society12
with a flow volume spirometer (Vmax29; SensorMedics).
Pulmonary measures included forced vital capacity (FVC),
FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and mid maximal expiratory flow rate
(FEF25–75). Values are expressed as percentages of reference
(predicted) values for European adults.13