The effects of training on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in female college rowers

We studied the effects of vigorous rowing training on left ventricular structure and function using M-mode, two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in 10 female college rowers. Echocardiographic measurements were performed before and after 20 weeks of rowing training. Diastolic function was also estimated by measuring the isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), deceleration time (DcT), peak velocity of early diastolic rapid filling flow (Ep), peak velocity of atrial filling flow (Ap) and the Ep/Ap ratio on left ventricular inflow Doppler wave form. The relative contribution of atrial systole to stroke volume was also calculated as the area under the flow velocity profile during atrial systole using the total area of the flow velocity profile. After training there was a significant increase in the left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDd), posterior wall thickness, left atrial dimension, left ventriculer mass (LVM), LVM index and stroke volume (SV). No significant change in IRT, or DcT was detected after training. Although there was an increase in mean values of Ep, no statistical significance was observed. Training also induced a significant decrease in Ap and the percent of SV contributed by atrial systole, while the ratio of Ep/Ap increased (p < 0.01). These results indicate that rowing training increases the LVDd and LVM index without impairment of left ventricular diastolic function in college female rowers.