Keywords:
Athletic injuries, Physiological studies, Comparative studies, MR, Cardiac
Authors:
O. Ghekiere1, B. Vande Berg2, J. Bogaert3, M. D. K. Lefebvre1, M. D. L. Herbots1, D. Hansen1, M. D. M. claeys3, M. P. D. R. Willems3, H. Heidbuchel4, M. P. D. A. La Gerche5, M. D. G. Claessen3; 1Hasselt/BE, 2Leuven, BE/BE, 3Leuven/BE, 4Antwerp/BE, 5Melbourne/AU
Results
Compared to controls, cyclists showed lower heart rates, i.e., 55±8vs 73±13bpm (p<0.001) and higher VO2max values, i.e., 65±6vs 40±5ml/min/kg (p<0.001). Cardiac volumes were significantly higher in cyclists, i.e., LVEDVi 128±12 vs96±8ml/m²; LVESVi 55±10vs 40±7ml/m²; RVEDVi 144±18 vs 108±12ml/m²; RVESVi 71±13 vs52±8ml/m² (all p-values <0,001). LVEF and RVEF, however, were not statistically different between groups (52±5 vs48±5%). Cyclists presented a higher LV mass, i.e., 79±9 vs59±8g/m² (p<0.001). Myocardial T1 values were lower in cyclists, i.e. septal: 980±24 vs 1030±30ms, (p<0.001), lateral: 965±26 vs 997±29 ms (p=0,001). ECV-values in athletes were lower in LV septum, i.e., 22.9±2.0vs 25.1±1.5% (p<0,001), but not in LV lateral wall : 22.1±2.4vs 22.9±2.6%. RV longitudinal peak systolic strain was higher in controls: -16.2±3.2vs -13.8±2.9% (p=0.02), while no significant differences were found in global LV strain values between groups.