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Evaluation of maximal left ventricular performance in elite bicyclists
V Di Bello1, L Talarico, C Di Muro
1II Clinical Medical Institute, University of Pisa, Italy.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Elite cyclists exhibit enhanced left ventricular function during maximal exercise. Echocardiography reveals improved systolic and diastolic performance, supporting high aerobic capacity and cardiac output. This study highlights the adaptive cardiovascular responses in professional athletes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Elite athletes display significant cardiovascular adaptations to intense training.
- Understanding left ventricular (LV) function during maximal exercise is crucial for assessing athletic performance.
- Echocardiography and Doppler provide non-invasive methods to evaluate cardiac mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in LV systolic and diastolic function in elite cyclists during maximal exercise.
- To correlate echocardiographic findings with ergospirometric parameters.
- To assess the accuracy of calculated cardiac output using standard echocardiographic methods.
Main Methods:
- 10 professional male cyclists underwent laboratory testing including maximal exercise on a Wind Loaded Simulator.
- Echocardiography and Doppler measurements assessed LV systolic (Ejection Fraction - EF) and diastolic (End Diastolic Volume - EDV, Peak E velocity) function.
- Ergospirometric parameters, including VO2/kg max and maximal speed, were simultaneously recorded.
Main Results:
- A strong linear relationship was found between VO2max and Cardiac Output (CO) (r=0.84) and between VO2max and maximal speed (r=0.97).
- End Diastolic Volume (EDV) increased during aerobic exercise due to enhanced venous return, remaining stable at anaerobic threshold.
- Ejection Fraction (EF) increased during exercise via the Frank-Starling mechanism, with potential sympathetic modulation contributing to contractility.
- Peak E velocity significantly increased, indicating improved early diastolic filling and enhanced LV compliance.
- Calculated cardiac output was underestimated by approximately 20% compared to actual values.
Conclusions:
- Elite cyclists demonstrate superior left ventricular systolic and diastolic function during maximal exertion.
- Enhanced diastolic compliance facilitates optimal ventricular filling, contributing to excellent systolic performance.
- Standard echocardiographic calculations of cardiac output may underestimate actual values in highly trained athletes.