Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
The effect of varying intensities of lower limb eccentric muscle contractions on left ventricular function
Luke A Howlett1,2, Kyle O'Sullivan3, Nicholas Sculthorpe4
1Institute of Sport Science and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, MK41 9EA, UK. bslh@leeds.ac.uk.
Purpose:
The effect of eccentric (ECC) resistance exercise (RE) on myocardial mechanics is currently unknown.
Method:
This study investigated ECC RE at varying intensities on left ventricular (LV) function using LV strain (ε), wall stress and haemodynamic parameters. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers completed ECC leg extensions at 20%, 50% and 80% of their ECC maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), whilst receiving echocardiograms. Global longitudinal ɛ, strain rate (SR), longitudinal tissue velocity, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), LV wall stress and rate pressure product (RPP) were assessed at baseline and during exercise.
Results:
Left ventricular global ɛ, systolic SR and wall stress remained unchanged throughout. Systolic blood pressure (sBP), MAP and RPP increased at 80% and 50% intensities compared to rest (P < 0.01). Eccentric RE increased HR and peak late diastolic SR at all intensities compared to rest (P < 0.02).
Conclusion:
The findings suggest acute ECC RE may not alter main parameters of LV function, supporting future potential for wider clinical use. However, future studies must investigate the impact of multiple repetitions and training on LV function.
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