Key result
Intense athletic training linked to ~21% lower myocardial stiffness versus sedentary controls despite hypertrophy.
Why the study?
In elite athletes, left ventricular morphological changes are predicted to alter myocardial stiffness and compliance, but noninvasive assessment methods are needed.
Does intense athletic training alter myocardial stiffness as assessed by a new Doppler index in elite athletes compared to sedentary controls?
Comparison
Elite rowers with intense training vs sedentary subjects
Design
Observational cross-sectional study
Authors
Loading...
Lower stiffness index in elite rowers may reflect training effects on compliance; leaves open utility for athlete evaluation pending prospective validation.
Observational (n=66)
Does intense athletic training alter myocardial stiffness as assessed by a new Doppler index in elite athletes compared to sedentary controls?
Absolute Event Rate: 1.17% vs 1.48%
p-value: p=0.016
Intense athletic training reduces myocardial stiffness despite the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, as demonstrated by a novel Doppler tissue index.
King et al. (2008) conducted an observational in Cardiac adaptation in elite athletes (n=66). Intense athletic training (elite rowing) vs. Sedentary lifestyle was evaluated on Diastolic stiffness index ((E/Ea)/LVEDD) adjusted for body surface area and heart rate (p=0.016). Intense athletic training in elite rowers was associated with a reduced myocardial stiffness index compared to sedentary controls (1.17 vs 1.48; p=0.016), despite the development of hypertrophy.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: