Relationship between echocardiogram and physical parameters in experienced resistance trainers: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Sports Science
• Exercise Cardiology

Background:

• Limited research on physiological factors affecting heart structure and function in strength athletes.
• This pilot study explores associations between body composition, muscle performance, and cardiac indices in experienced resistance trainers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body composition and muscle performance with cardiac structure and function in strength athletes.
• To identify physiological predictors of cardiac adaptations in resistance training.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design involving 17 males and 8 females (bodybuilders, powerlifters).
• Evaluated muscle performance, body composition, and echocardiographic measures.
• Utilized Mann-Whitney U-tests and Spearman's Rho partial correlation analyses (adjusted for sex).

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations observed between fat-free mass and multiple cardiac parameters (aortic root, RV internal dimension, septal thickness, LV posterior wall thickness, left atrium area, LV volumes).
• Leg press 1RM showed positive correlations with aortic root, LV internal dimension, left atrium area, and LV volumes.
• Correlations ranged from moderate to strong (r: 0.43-0.76, P≤0.03 for FFM; r: 0.49-0.67, P≤0.02 for 1RM).

Conclusions:

• Higher fat-free mass and lower body strength in resistance trainers are associated with larger cardiac structures.
• Long-term strenuous resistance training likely drives these cardiac adaptations.
• Caution is advised to rule out pathological conditions, considering potential performance-enhancing drug use in this population.