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Alterations in cardiac morphology and function in elite multi-disciplinary athletes
1Division of Sports Studies, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, England, UK. fa1847@wlv.ac.uk
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 22, 1999
Summary
Elite triathletes and modern pentathletes show distinct left ventricular (LV) adaptations. Multi-disciplinary training significantly alters LV morphology and function, with endurance and isometric components playing key roles.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Previous echocardiographic research focused on single-sport athletes.
- Limited studies have investigated the cardiac adaptations in multi-disciplinary athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine left ventricular (LV) morphology and function in elite triathletes and modern pentathletes.
- To compare these adaptations with age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiographic assessment of LV morphology and function.
- Inclusion of 18 elite triathletes and 11 elite modern pentathletes.
- Comparison with age- and sex-matched control groups.
Main Results:
- Elite triathletes exhibited significantly increased LV wall thickness, cavity dimensions, and LV mass compared to controls.
- Elite modern pentathletes showed significantly increased LV wall thickness but not internal diameter.
- Normal distribution of hypertrophy and diastolic filling indices were observed in both athlete groups, with significant increases in triathletes.
Conclusions:
- Multi-disciplinary training leads to varied left ventricular (LV) morphological changes.
- Prolonged endurance activity and cycling's isometric component drive LV enlargement in triathletes.
- A combination of reduced endurance and high isometric demands in fencing influences LV adaptations in modern pentathletes.