2009 Age Plus Prize Winner: Dror Ofir

Dror Ofir
Queen's University

Gender Differences in the perceived intensity of breathlessness during exercise with advancing age

Quality of life can be negatively affected by a prevalence of symptoms such as breathlessness, especially when performing daily activities. It is estimated that over 30% of people aged 65 and older experience breathlessness with exercise, and women report greater intensity of breathlessness when exercising. The key issues addressed in Dr. Ofir's study were the effects of age and gender on symptoms of breathing discomfort as well as on the respiratory system's response to exercise in healthy participants.

The study was performed in a laboratory equipped with special instruments that test pulmonary function during exercise. This equipment was used to evaluate the respiratory, cardiovascular and musculature systems of participants at rest and during exercise. Participants also filled out a number of questionnaires on symptoms of breathlessness, habitual physical activity, and medical history.

The cross-sectional comparisons within each gender revealed that participants in the 60-80 year old group experienced greater breathing difficulty at a standardized task intensity than their younger counterparts, a condition that occurred more consistently in females. The information reported in this study can be used to suggest more detailed ways of improving exercise capacity in the elderly.

In the last 8 years of his research work, Dr. Ofir has studied the mechanisms of breathlessness in different situations, such as cancer, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. This current study gives him a better understanding of both aging and gender aspects of breathing discomfort.

Currently in winter 2009, Dr. Ofir is a full time lecturer at the Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport at the Wingate Institute in Israel. He is also building a cardio-respiratory laboratory where he can continue working on his research interests in the Emek Medical Center in Afula.