The effect of aerobic continuous training and detraining on left ventricular structure and function in male students

Purpose. Regular exercise training induces cardiac physiological hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic continuous training and a detraining period on left ventricular structure and function in non-athlete healthy men. Material. Ten untrained healthy male students (aged 18-22 years) were volunteered and participated in countryside continuous jogging programme (3days/week, at 70% of Maximum Heart Rate for 45 min, 8-weeks) and four weeks detraining afterwards. M-mode, 2-dimensional, colour and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography were performed, during resting conditions, before and after the training and after detraining period. Results. Using t-test, we found significant difference in end systolic diameter and the posterior wall thickness, percentage shortening and ejection fraction after eight weeks training compared to before training. It was found no significant difference in end diastolic diameter, interventricular septum thickness, left atrium diameter, aortic root diameter, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Following four weeks detraining after training, compared with eight weeks of training was a significant difference in end diastolic diameter, percentage shortening and ejection fraction and no significant difference in end systolic diameter, posterior wall thickness, interventricular septum thickness, left atrium diameter, aortic root diameter, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Conclusions. In general, eight-week aerobic continuous training and a detraining period can affect left ventricular structure and function.