Key result
Maximum physical exercise did not significantly change global longitudinal strain or global myocardial work index, but the change in global myocardial work index correlated with relative maximum oxygen uptake.
Why the study?
To investigate the immediate effects of maximum physical exercise by different exercise testing methods on LV deformation parameters in competitive athletes and analyze their correlation with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity.
Does maximum physical exercise via different testing methods affect left ventricular deformation and correlate with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in competitive athletes?
Observational (n=32)
No
Does maximum physical exercise via different testing methods affect left ventricular deformation and correlate with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in competitive athletes?
Maximum physical exercise immediately affects left ventricular deformation similarly across testing methods, and the change in global myocardial work index (ΔGWI) correlates with relative VO2max, suggesting its potential as an echocardiographic marker for individual training status.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
ΔGWI change after maximal exercise correlates with VO2max in athletes; hypothesis-generating for its role as training-status marker, pending prospective studies.
Background Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global myocardial work index (GWI) allow early detection of subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The aim of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of maximum physical exercise by different exercise testing methods on LV deformation parameters in competitive athletes and to analyze their correlation with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Methods To reach maximum physical exercise, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed by semi-recumbent ergometer in competitive handball players (n = 13) and by treadmill testing in competitive football players (n = 19). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) indexed to body weight (relative VO 2max ) was measured in all athletes. Transthoracic echocardiography and blood pressure measurements were performed at rest and five minutes after CPET in all athletes. GLS, GWI and their changes before and after CPET (ΔGLS, ΔGWI) were correlated with (relative) VO 2max . Results In handball and football players, GLS and GWI did not differ significantly before and after CPET. There were no significant correlations between GLS and relative VO 2max , but moderate correlations were found between Δ GWI and relative VO 2max in handball (r = 0.631; P = 0.021) and football players (r = 0.592; P = 0.008). Furthermore, handball (46.7 ml/min*kg ± 4.7 ml/min*kg vs. 37.4 ml/min*kg ± 4.2; P = 0.004) and football players (58.3 ml/min*kg ± 3.7 ml/min*kg vs. 49.7 ml/min*kg ± 6.8; P = 0.002) with an increased ΔGWI after CPET showed a significant higher relative VO 2max . Conclusion Maximum physical exercise has an immediate effect on LV deformation, irrespective of the used testing method. The correlation of relative VO 2max with ΔGWI, identifies GWI as an echocardiographic parameter for characterizing the current individual training status of athletes.
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Kandels et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Healthy competitive athletes (n=32). Maximum physical exercise (CPET) vs. Resting conditions (baseline) was evaluated on Global longitudinal strain (GLS) in handball players (p=0.079). Maximum physical exercise did not significantly change global longitudinal strain or global myocardial work index, but the change in global myocardial work index correlated with relative maximum oxygen uptake.
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