Morpho-functional characterization of cardiac chambers by transthoracic echocardiography, in young athletes of gymnastics competition

Abstract

Background - Prolonged intensive physical training causes structural and functional cardiovascular adaptations, however, these modifications can be misinterpreted as pathological. The aim of this study was to describe the cardiovascular structure and functionality, by transthoracic echocardiography, in young competitive artistic gymnastics athletes. Methods - This study was conducted in a population of feminine artistic gymnastics athletes, with ages between 12 and 15 years old. All individuals underwent transthoracic echocardiography, following the defined study protocol. Statistical analysis of the study variables was made using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk test, T-test, Wilcoxon's test and Pearson's correlation. The results were considered statistically significant when p value < 0.05. Results and conclusions - With regard to left cardiac structure and functionality, there were no statistically significant changes, however, the athletes had larger left the atrial area (15.35 cm2), which is common due to pressure increase during exercise practice, especially in a combined isometric and isotonic training. In the diastolic function, the mitral E wave velocity (1.08 m/s) and the mitral E/A ratio (2.31) were significantly higher. There was a correlation between years of practice and both mitral A wave velocity and mitral E/A ratio. These findings suggest a supernormal diastolic function as a consequence of the left ventricular relaxation and compliance enhancement. With this study, it was possible to verify, that all variables used to analyse structural and cardiovascular functional adaptations, measured by transthoracic echocardiogram, were within normal values, taking in consideration the paediatric and adult Guidelines. There were found statistically significant differences for the left atrial area and left diastolic function.