Combined strength and endurance training may result in alterations in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and morphology, however, the acute effect of high-intensity rowing exercise and concurrent training-induced adaptations on LV systolic function are not well known. The purpose of this investigation was to assess LV systolic function before and after a simulated 2000-m rowing race on a Concept II rowing ergometer and evaluate these adaptations following 10 weeks of concurrent strength and endurance training. Furthermore, resting LV morphology was assessed prior to and following the 10-week training program. Ten male subjects underwent two-dimensional echocardiograms at rest, immediately following (95 +/- 27 s), as well as 5 and 45 minutes after, a simulated 2000-m rowing race. These measurements were also made before and after 10 weeks of training. Irrespective of testing time, performance of a 2000-m rowing race resulted in an increase in fractional area change (0.51 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.09; p < 0.05) due to an increase in LV contractility. Concurrent strength and endurance training resulted in an increase in the resting LV diastolic cavity area (20.64 +/- 2.59 vs. 22.82 +/- 2.17 cm (2); p < 0.05), end systolic myocardial area (23.27 +/- 4.86 vs. 24.56 +/- 4.00 cm (2); p < 0.05) and LV mass (179.07 +/- 46.91 g vs. 210.46 +/- 51.13 g; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the acute increase in LV systolic function following a simulated 2000-m rowing race was due to heightened LV contractile reserve. Further, 10 weeks of combined strength and endurance training resulted in an increase in resting LV diastolic cavity size, wall thickness and mass.

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The acute effect of high‐intensity exercise combined with strength and endurance training on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in female rowers is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 10‐weeks of endurance and strength training on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), endurance performance, strength, and LV morphology and systolic function in eight female rowers (mean age: 25 ± 9 years). LV systolic function was also assessed before and immediately after completing a high‐intensity endurance performance test (2000m of rowing). Ten‐weeks of combined strength and endurance training significantly improved VO2max (before vs. after; 2.7 ± 0.4 vs. 3.0 ± 0.3 L/min), endurance performance time (510 ± 41 vs. 491 ± 24 sec), leg press (163 ± 45 vs. 235 ± 86 kg) and bench press (40 ± 4 vs. 46 ± 5 kg) one repetition maximum strength. Combined training did not change end‐diastolic cavity area (19 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 4 cm2), end‐systolic cavity area (9 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2 cm2), fractional area change (51 ± 6 vs. 55 ± 3%) or mass (160 ± 34 vs. 159 ± 17 g). High‐intensity exercise was associated with an increase in contractility and fractional area change from before to after training. In conclusion, 10 weeks of rowing and strength training in female rowers improves exercise capacity, endurance performance and muscle strength without altering LV morphology. In addition, combined strength and endurance training was not associated with an increase in LV systolic function but contractility and fractional area was significantly increased with high intensity exercise. Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Sport Science Association of Alberta

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