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Cardiac hypertrophy and function in master endurance runners and sprinters
Summary
Older male endurance runners and sprinters show increased cardiac mass and aerobic capacity compared to controls. Left ventricular mass does not directly correlate with aerobic capacity in these athletes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to intense physical training.
- Limited data exists on cardiac structure and function in older athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiac hypertrophy and function in middle-aged and older male endurance runners and sprinters.
- To compare cardiovascular adaptations between endurance runners and sprinters.
Main Methods:
- M-mode echocardiography to assess left ventricular mass (LVM).
- Systolic time intervals to evaluate cardiac function.
- Maximal treadmill stress testing to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max).
- Comparison with age-matched non-athletic controls.
Main Results:
- Endurance runners exhibited greater LVM index and VO2max compared to sprinters.
- Both groups showed significantly higher LVM index and VO2max than controls.
- No significant linear correlation was found between LVM index and VO2max in athletes.
- Resting left ventricular function was normal in both athlete groups.
Conclusions:
- Well-trained older male endurance runners and sprinters demonstrate elevated VO2max and LVM index compared to controls.
- Endurance runners show greater adaptations than sprinters.
- Cardiac function remains normal at rest, and hypertrophy degree does not correlate with aerobic capacity in these athletes.