Effects of different sport events on cardiac adaptation in young age

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different sport activities on cardiac adaptation. Echocardiographic data of 15 to 18 year old athletes (n=158) were measured and compared in two age groups of two years each. Athletes were divided into three groups according to their sports activity (endurance, power athletes, ball game players). Variables were related to body size in terms where the power values of the numerator and the denominator match.

Results

Left ventricular hypertrophy was found in all athletic groups. Strength athletes had the highest left ventricular wall thickness (LVWTd) values in both age groups, in the second age group intragroup differences were decreased. At the age group of 17-18 the values of the endurance and strength athletes increased significantly. Left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd) was the highest in endurance athletes, while body size related muscle mass (LVMM) had the highest values in power athletes. In the second age group LVMM showed a significant increase in endurance athletes. Muscular quotient (MQ) was the highest in endurance athletes, in the 17-18 age group there was no difference among groups. Bradycardia appeared in endurance athletes and ball game players, strength athletes had higher values compared to non athletic subjects.

Discussion/ Conclusions

It seems that at early adaptation the effects of isometric adaptation in the development of concentric hypertrophy are better marked; later on further exercise results to a more balanced adaptation on young athletes. On the other hand endurance training primary (15-16 year age group) leads to the dilatation of the left ventricle, which is then followed by the increase of muscle mass in the second age group. In functional and regulatory parameters no differences were shown between athletic and non athletic groups.