Effect of changes in load carriage while walking on the left ventricular function in highly trained elderly subjects.

Background: In previous studies, the effect of isometric stress on the dynamic performance of a graded exercise test in normal subjects augmented afterload and brought about changes in left ventricular function more often than did results from physical exercise.

Objective: This study used the metabolic charts and echocardiography to examine the influence of two different types of load carriage during 30 min of treadmill walking on left ventricular function, hemodynamics, and cardiovascular responses.

Methods: Fifteen elderly (age 66.