Evaluation of the Left Ventricular Myocardium Using Layer-Specific Strain Analysis in Adolescent Athletes Performing...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is recognized for enhancing physical performance in adolescent athletes.
• Conventional training methods may not fully optimize cardiac adaptations in young athletes.
• Understanding the specific impact of HIIT on myocardial function is crucial for athlete development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of an 8-week running-based HIIT program on left ventricular (LV) myocardial function in adolescent male athletes.
• To utilize conventional echocardiography and layer-specific strain (LSS) analysis to evaluate cardiac adaptations.
• To determine if HIIT improves cardiac efficiency and exercise capacity in this population.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen male adolescent athletes (mean age 16.83 years) completed an 8-week running-based HIIT program.
• Conventional echocardiography and layer-specific strain (LSS) analysis were performed pre- and post-training.
• Treadmill exercise tests were conducted to assess changes in exercise capacity.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in interventricular septum thickness and ventricular mass index were observed post-HIIT (p < 0.005).
• Treadmill exercise tests showed significant improvements in test duration and metabolic equivalent (p < 0.005).
• Layer-specific strain analysis revealed significant enhancements in LV circumferential strain in basal and mid-segments (p < 0.005).

Conclusions:

• High-intensity interval training promotes favorable physiological adaptations in the myocardium of adolescent male athletes.
• HIIT enhances left ventricular (LV) circumferential strain, indicating improved myocardial efficiency.
• This training modality offers a potent strategy for optimizing cardiac function and performance in young athletes.