Increases in Strain, Strain Rate, Displacement and Velocity in the Thoracic Aorta After Bench Pressing

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate changes in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) values in athletes while performing a bench press exercise, and to evaluate their relationship with vitamin levels and nutritional values. Materials and Methods: The study used speckle tracking to assess changes in DTA parameters in athletes before and after bench press exercise, compared to non-athlete controls. Measurements included rotational and radial velocities, circumferential strain and strain rate, and displacement. Results: The study included 60 non-athlete controls and 178 athletes performing bench press exercises. In a 10-year follow-up of 30 weightlifters, aortic speckle tracking values were age-matched with controls. No significant baseline differences were observed between groups. However, following exercise, all measurements demonstrated increases: DTA rotational velocity (55.44 ± 16.15 vs. 88.98 ± 10.31°/s), radial velocity (1.02 ± 0.36 vs. 1.56 ± 0.42 cm/s), circumferential strain (-8.52 ± 0.31 vs. -12.55 ± 1.13), strain rate (-1.55 ± 0.72 vs. -2.28 ± 0.56 s^-1), rotational displacement (6.22 ± 0.36 vs. 14.91 ± 0.85°), and radial displacement (0.89 ± 0.31 vs. 1.19 ± 0.65 mm), with all p-values < 0.05. Rotational displacement correlated with maximal repetition (88.56 ± 12.59 Kg) and vitamin levels. Conclusions: This study hypothesizes that bench press exercise is linked to increased DTA velocities, strain, strain rate, and displacement.