15 weeks of soccer training increases left ventricular mass and improves indices of left ventricular diastolic function in previously sedentary, mildly hypertensive, middle-aged women

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Purpose: To investigate the impact of soccer training on cardiac adaptations in mildly hypertensive middle-aged women. Methods: Hypertensive premenopausal women (n = 41; age (mean ± SD): 44 ± 7 years; height: 166 ± 6 cm; weight: 78.6 ± 11.6 kg; body fat: 43.3 ± 5.2%) were randomized to soccer training (SOC, n = 21) or control (CON, n = 20). SOC performed three weekly training sessions for 15 weeks, whereas CON had no training or lifestyle changes during the same period. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography pre-intervention and post-intervention. Results: Soccer training increased (P = 0.001) left ventricular mass index by 10% [95% CI 4; 15], while no changes occurred in CON (time × group interaction, P = 0.005). In addition, only SOC demonstrated a within-group increase (P = 0.01) of 8% [95% CI 2; 14] in left ventricular septum diameter. For markers of right ventricular remodelling, a within-group increase (P = 0.02) occurred for tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion of 8% [95% CI 1; 14] in SOC only. Left atrial diameter index increased (P < 0.001) by 6% [95% CI 3; 10] after SOC, while it was unaffected in CON (time × group interaction, P = 0.02). For makers of diastolic function, SOC demonstrated a within-group increase (P = 0.02) in the average early diastolic mitral annulus velocity of 10% [95% CI 2; 19]. In addition, a reduction (P < 0.001) in mitral valve A velocity of − 19% [95% CI − 29; − 10] was observed following soccer training, which manifested in increased (P < 0.001) mitral valve E/A ratio of 34% [95% CI 16; 53] in SOC. No within-group changes were apparent in CON. Conclusion: In sedentary, mildly hypertensive, middle-aged women, 15 weeks of soccer training increases left ventricular mass and left atrial diameter and improves indices of left ventricular diastolic function.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Antal sider9
ISSN1439-6319
DOI
StatusE-pub ahead of print - 2024

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
The authors would like to express their appreciation for the outstanding efforts and positive attitude of the participants. In addition, they are extremely grateful for the technical assistance provided by study coordinator Annika Lindenskov and coaches Súsanna Holm, Pætur Mikal Holm, Heðin Joensen, Oluffa á Høvdanum, Pauli Øssursson Mohr, Heini Rasmussen and the late Jákup Mohr. Finally, the authors render thanks to medical assistance of Pál Weihe and Hans Peter Nielsen. The study was supported by a grant from the Faroese Research Council, as well as by the Faroese Confederation of Sports and Olympic Committee (Itrottarsamband Foroya), the Faroese Football Association (FSF) and the Danish Sports Confederation (Danmarks Idrætsforbund). In addition, financial support was obtained from Betri Bank.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, The Author(s).

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