Speckle tracking echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in young elite rugby players.

Background: Little evidence exists in the literature on the effects of mixed-type training on the left ventricle (LV). This study focused on the effects of training on the morphological and functional characteristics of the left ventricle. This study investigated the effects of training on LV function using Speckle Tracking Imaging (STI) in high-level, young rugby players.

Methods: This prospective and longitudinal cohort study enrolled ten young controls and 24 young rugby players (13 high-level rugby players; 11 amateur rugby players) were included in the study. Standard Tissue Doppler Imaging Echocardiography and STI were performed in this study before and after the season. LV mass and pulsed wave Doppler inflow recording of the LV, including early and atrial waves, were carried out in 2-3-4 chamber views. We assessed three normal strains, rotation, and torsion in the LV.

Results: The main results of this study demonstrated that no differences existed between the three groups in LV functional parameters, the longitudinal circumferential and radial strain indices, and rotation and torsion indices. In the professional group, a significantly higher end-diastolic diameter (P<0.001), septal (P<0.05) and posterior (P<0.01) wall thickness, and LV mass (P<0.01) was observed. There were no differences in diastolic function.

Conclusions: This study confirmed that young, elite rugby players have normal LV remodeling and normal LV function under resting conditions.