Journal Article
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
Tórur Sjúrðarson; Kasper Kyhl; Nikolai B. Nordsborg; Rudi Kollslíð; Lars Juel Andersen; Peter Krustrup; Magni Mohr
European Journal of Applied Physiology · Vol. 124, Issue 5 · pp. 1621-1629 · 2024
Abstract
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.