A systematic review of resting left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and adaptation in elite weightlifters

BACKGROUND: This review aims to establish what effect weightlifting has on the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricular (LV). SOURCES OF DATA: PubMed; ISI Web of Knowledge; Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline were searched in February 2012 to find literature on the effect of weightlifting on the LV cardiac function. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Stroke volume, posterior wall thickness and ventricular filling time and rate were seen to increase. A decrease in the resting heart rate was seen. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Blood pressure and LV morphological changes were equivocal. GROWING POINTS: Weightlifting causes recognizable functional change to the LV, some of these changes may confer benefits such as improvements in the systolic function. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Discrepancies exist with regard to regional LV morphological change, as the evidence suggests the LV does not adapt in a homogenous manner. Attempts should be made to separate performance-enhancing drug users from those who compete drug free.