CPFT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep Guide

The elderly population is most likely to experience a decrease in lung volumes due to the natural aging process, which affects the respiratory system. As individuals age, there are structural and functional changes in the lungs and surrounding muscles. This includes a decrease in the elasticity of lung tissue, a stiffening of the chest wall, and weakened respiratory muscles. These changes contribute to a reduction in vital capacity and total lung capacity.

In contrast, athletes typically have greater lung volumes due to increased physical conditioning and demand for oxygen during exercise. Young adults and healthy adolescents are generally at their peak lung capacity, with fully developed respiratory systems that do not exhibit the same declines seen in older adults. Therefore, the elderly population is distinctly affected by factors such as reduced lung elasticity and decreased muscle strength, making them the group most likely to show a decrease in lung volumes.