Comparison of Cardiac and Vascular Parameters in Powerlifters and Long-Distance Runners: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundCardiac remodeling is a specific response to exercise training and time exposure. We hypothesized that athletes engaging for long periods in high-intensity strength training show heart and/or vascular damage.ObjectiveTo compare cardiac characteristics (structure and function) and vascular function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD] and peripheral vascular resistance [PVR]) in powerlifters and long-distance runners.MethodsWe evaluated 40 high-performance athletes (powerlifters [PG], n = 16; runners [RG], n = 24) and assessed heart structure and function (echocardiography), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), FMD, PVR, maximum force (squat, bench press, and deadlift), and maximal oxygen uptake (spirometry). A Student’s t Test for independent samples and Pearson’s linear correlation were used (p < 0.05).ResultsPG showed higher SBP/DBP (p < 0.001); greater interventricular septum thickness (p < 0.001), posterior wall thickness (p < 0.001) and LV mass (p < 0.001). After adjusting LV mass by body surface area (BSA), no difference was observed. As for diastolic function, LV diastolic volume, wave E, wave e’, and E/e’ ratio were similar for both groups. However, LA volume (p = 0.016) and BSA-adjusted LA volume were lower in PG (p < 0.001). Systolic function (end-systolic volume and ejection fraction), and FMD were similar in both groups. However, higher PVR in PG was observed (p = 0.014). We found a correlation between the main cardiovascular changes and total weight lifted in PG.ConclusionsCardiovascular adaptations are dependent on training modality and the borderline structural cardiac changes are not accompanied by impaired function in powerlifters. However, a mild increase in blood pressure seems to be related to PVR rather than endothelial function.

Effect of Training Phase on Physical and Physiological Parameters of Male Powerlifters

“…Resting blood pressure ≥ 130/80 mmHg (previously ≥ 140/90 mmHg) is defined as hypertension [ 25 ] and is considered a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure [ 26 ]. In a group of natural powerlifters, it was shown that resting blood pressure was significantly higher compared to a group of endurance runners (130/82 mmHg versus 116/72 mmHg, respectively) [ 27 ]. In the present study, the resting blood pressure of the participants was considered healthy since the readings were less than 120/80 mmHg [ 25 ] and did not change between training phases.…”

A comparison of cardiac structure and function between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls

“…In recent years, there has been increased interest in understanding the cardiac response to different types of resistance training in male athletes. [3][4][5][6]20 The cardiac adaptations to resistance training involve geometrical re-orientation in different patterns including concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, or eccentric hypertrophy. 3,12 Our findings suggest resistance-trained female athletes may experience heterogeneous LV geometries, including mostly concentric hypertrophy, eccentric hypertrophy, or normal patterns (Figure 1).…”

“…1,2 Resistance training is an effective method of conditioning to enhance muscle strength (ie, ability to generate muscle force), while also promoting other health-related benefits including increased bone mass and muscle cross-sectional area, as well as decreased body fat and blood pressure in females. 1,3 As such, re- Increased interest has emerged in quantifying cardiac morphology and function in resistance-trained male athletes [3][4][5][6] to understand specific adaptations and potential negative responses to resistance training protocols. For instance, a review by Haykowsky et al 3 revealed intense dynamic and isometric resistance training increases concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, which is characterized by an increase in LV mass with an augmented ratio of wall thickness to LV diameter.…”

The Nature of Cardiac Remodeling Due to Physical Exercise: More Evidence Towards to the Normal Adaptive Responses of the Heart

“…To differentiate normal adaptive responses ("benign") from abnormal ones remains a challenge. Here we address some important issues related to the discussion on cardiac remodeling in exercise, recently revisited by Vidaletti-Silva and colleagues 1 in this issue.…”

“…Although well-established in scientific literature, Vidaletti-Silva et al 1 have addressed the question of differences in cardiac remodeling due to sports modalities through a cross-sectional, comparator-group design, comparing endurance athletes (i.e., runners) and strength-trained athletes (i.e., powerlifters) - two classes and levels of modalities that seem appropriate for this comparison. In their findings, no moment-differences between groups were observed for the LV mass, when adjusted for their surface area.…”