Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise.

Some individuals who go to fitness centers for various purposes perform resistance exercise (RE) alone, while others engage in combined exercise (CE) by including cardio exercises along with RE. Studying the effects of these two different training methods on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical function is an important step toward understanding the effects of different types of exercise on cardiac function. This knowledge has significant implications for public health, as it can inform the development of targeted and effective exercise programs that prioritize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the LV systolic and diastolic parameters of athletes who engage in RE and CE using ECHO, to contribute to the growing body of literature on the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise. Forty-two amateur athletes aged between 17 and 52 were included in our study. The participants consisted of the RE (n = 26) group who did only resistance exercise during the weekly exercise period, and the CE group (n = 16) who also did cardio exercise with resistance exercises. After determining sports age (year), weekly exercise frequency (day), and training volume (min) in addition to demographic information of RE and CE groups, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial functions were determined by ECHO. Findings from our study revealed that parameters including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p = .008), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p = .020), stroke volume index (SV-I) (p = .048), conduit volume (CV-I) (p = .001), and aortic strain (AS) (p = .017) were notably higher in the RE group compared to the CE group. Also left atrial active emptying volüme (LAAEV) of CE was higher than the RE group (p = .031). In conclusion, the cardiac parameters of the RE group showed more athlete's heart characteristics than the CE group. These results may help to optimize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise routines while minimizing the potential risks associated with improper training.

Exploring the quadriceps muscle architecture variations in various sports disciplines: a comparative analysis of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate and compare the architecture of the quadriceps muscle in football, taekwondo, and athletics, shedding light on potential differences and providing valuable insights for athletic training and performance enhancement. METHODS: Thirty-five athletes (football[N.]=14. [7 women, 7 men]; taekwondo [N.]=11. [6 women, 5 men]; athletics [N.]=10. [5 women, 5 men]) aged 17-21 years participated in the study. After participant demographic data were collected, 2D real-time B-mode ultrasound (USG) and right (R) and left (L) leg quadriceps muscle group rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis, pennation angle (PA), RF cross-sectional area (CSA), and subcutaneous fat thickness were determined. RESULTS: In the study, in female athletes, R-RF+VI (P=0.04, ES:4.34), R-VI (P=0.01, ES: 6.1), R-RF: (P=0.009, ES: 7.9), R-CSA (P=0.04, ES: 5.2), L-RF (P=0.002, ES: 10.4) and L-CSA (P=0.007, ES: 7.7) significant differences were found in favor of the Football group. In male athletes, R-CSA (P=0.004, ES: 9.05), L-RF (P=0.05, ES: 3.5) and L-SFT (P=0.00, ES: 13.6), there was a significant difference in favor of the Football group. L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2). L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2) was significantly higher in the male Taekwondo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our research findings show that there is a significant relationship between the type of exercise performed and the structural differences observed in the quadriceps muscle. Consequently, it is highly recommended to consider the outcomes of our study for enhancing the efficacy of training programs in the domains of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

The impact of strategic napping on peak expiratory flow and respiratory function in young elite athletes.

Respiratory health is a critical determinant of athletic performance, and the utilization of restorative strategies, such as strategic napping, may offer a competitive edge to athletes. This study investigates the effects of nap duration on the respiratory function of young elite athletes who have achieved top rankings national competitions. Participants engage in three test sessions with varying nap durations: no nap (N0), a 25-minute nap (N25), and a 45-minute nap (N45), with a minimum 72-hour interval between sessions. Respiratory parameters including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEF), Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), and Forced Expiratory Time (FET) are assessed. Results reveal a significant enhancement in PEF values following a 45-minute nap (N45) compared to the no-nap control (N0) [F1 - 11=7.356, p =.004, ηp2 = 0.401, (95% CI for difference: -1.56 to - 0.056)], indicating a potential positive influence of napping on maximum expiratory flow rate and, consequently, athletes' respiratory performance. While no significant changes are observed in other respiratory parameters across different nap durations, these findings underscore the potential benefits of strategic napping in optimizing respiratory health in young elite athletes.

Investigation of Deltoid Muscle Activation From Different Angles in Body Building Athletes.

Objectives: It is known that bodybuilders suffer from shoulder injuries frequently. Therefore, it is important to determine the most appropriate form of movement during shoulder exercises. For this reason, this study was carried out to determine the most accurate form of movement by examining the deltoid muscle activation of bodybuilders from different angles. Methods: The survey model, one of the quantitative research techniques, was used in this study. 53 athletes (44 men, 9 women) with an age of 25.77±9.13 years, height of 177.07±8.40 cm, body weight of 78.06±14.16 kg, and body mass index of 24.78±3.43 kg/m2 who regularly attended bodybuilding gyms were included in the study. The deltoid activations of the participants was measured, while the glenohumeral joint is at 90°, the cubital joint is in abduction at 180°, 150° and 120°. surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback was determined using the Neurotrac Myoplus Pro device. Joint angles were determined with a goniometer. Statistical analyses of the study were performed using the SPSS 25 package program. It was found that the data were normally distributed and the Repeated measures Anova test was applied for comparisons. Results: As a result of statistical analysis, in male participants, mean deltoid sEMG values and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC [%]) significantly decreased with decreasing angle size (p<0.05). In female participants, the average sEMG and MVC (%) values did not change at different angles (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the research results, shoulder sEMG activations decrease in direct proportion to the angle in bodybuilders. When the glenohumeral joint is 90° and the cubital joint is 180°, the activation of the medial deltoid muscle is highest. It is suggested that bodybuilders should consider the results of our study when performing exercises to hypertrophy the deltoid muscle.

The insufficiency of recreational exercises in improving cardiovascular fitness: an investigation of ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical functions.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial (LA) mechanical functions of individuals engaging in recreational sports and resistance exercises on a weekly basis. METHODS: A total of 43 male amateur athletes were included in this study, of which 24 performed resistance exercises (REs) (29.70 ± 8.74 year, weight: 81.70 ± 12.64 kg, height: 176.05 ± 7.73 cm, BMI: 27.64 ± 4.97 kg/m2), and 19 participated in recreational football training and were included in the recreational sports group (31.73 ± 6.82 year, weight: 86.00 ± 18.52 kg, height: 178.62 ± 4.95 cm, BMI: 25.55 ± 3.42 kg/m2). The exercises were standardized according to the weekly exercise frequency and volume. After recording the participants' demographic information, the LV systolic and diastolic parameters and LA mechanical functions were measured using echocardiography (ECHO) and Tissue Doppler Imaging. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in various cardiac parameters between the recreational sports group (REG) and resistance exercise Group (RSG). Specifically, the left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter, LV end diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), and stroke volume index were notably higher in the REG compared to the RSG (t = 2.804, p = .010, effect size (ES) = 2.10; t = 3.174, p = .003, ES = 0.98; t = 3.36, p = .002, ES = 1.02, respectively). Notably, the RSG exhibited higher values for LV mass index (LVMi) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) than the REG (t = 2.843, p = .007, ES = 0.87; t = 2.517, p = .016, ES = 0.76) in terms of LV systolic and diastolic parameters. Regarding left atrial (LA) mechanics, the REG demonstrated increased LA total emptying volume index, LA maximum volume index, LA volume before systole measured at the onset of the p-wave index, and conduit volume index compared to RSG (t = 2.419, p = .020, ES = 0.75; t = 2.669, p = .011, ES = 0.81; t = 2.111, p = .041, ES = 0.64; t = 2.757, p = .009, ES = 0.84, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed significant variations in LV and LA functions between REG and RSG. Our data suggest that REs led to substantial cardiac remodeling, altering myocardial structure and function. In contrast, the effect of recreational exercise on cardiac adaptation was less pronounced than that of resistance exercise. Consequently, we propose that individuals engaging in recreational exercise should consider modalities that impose higher cardiovascular demand for more effective cardiac conditioning.

Evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters in amputee football players.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters of amputee football players (AF) with football players without disability (FP) and sedentary individuals without disability (SI). Methods: A total of 32 participants (AF = 9, FP = 11, SI = 12) were included in the study. ECG parameters including P-wave amplitude, P-wave duration, PR interval, QRS duration, RR interval, QT interval, corrected-QT interval (QTc), ST segment duration, Tp-e duration, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were assessed in all the study participants by using a 12-lead ECG device. OneWay ANOVA Test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of all ECG parameters, P-wave amplitude and QTc were significantly higher in the AF group in comparison to FP and SI groups. QRS duration was found to be lower in the AF group when compared to FP and SI groups. Myocardial repolarization parameters including Tp-e duration, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were similar between groups, as were other parameters such as P-wave duration, PR interval, RR interval, QRS duration and QT interval. Conclusion: It was found that some ECG parameters of amputee football players differ from those with non-disabled players and non-disabled sedentary individuals. These different parameters were within normal limits.

Effects of chronic core training on serum and erythrocyte oxidative stress parameters in amputee football players.

Objective: The positive impact of aerobic exercise on blood oxidative stress parameters is well documented. However, the effect of core exercises on these parameters in amputee football players (AF) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of core exercises on blood oxidative stress parameters in this population. Methods: Experimental method was adopted in the study. Eleven elite AF players participated in the study. The participants were divided randomly into two groups a core exercise group (CEG) and a control group (CG). Blood measurements were taken before and after the 8-week core exercise program. Blood measurements included erythrocyte Total Oxidant Status (eTOS), erythrocyte Total Antioxidant Status (eTAS), erythrocyte oxidative stress index (eOSI), serum nitric oxide (sNO), serum Total Oxidant Status (sTOS), serum Total Antioxidant Status (sTAS), serum oxidative stress index (sOSI), serum total thiol (sTT), serum native thiol (sNT), and serum disulfide (sDS) parameters were studied. Results: According to the results of the study, a significant difference was found between the 0th and eighth week pre-aerobic training load (ATL) sTOS (p = .028) values of CEG values. A significant difference was found in sTOS (p = .028) and sOSI (p = .028) values after the 0th and eighth-week pre-ATL. A significant difference was found in the sTOS (p = .043) and sOSI values (p = .043) of CG at week 0th and eighth-week pre-ATL. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that core exercises had a positive effect on blood oxidative stress parameters in AF players by reducing blood total oxidant levels.

Comparison of echocardiographic parameters of amputee football players with active football players and sedentary individuals.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters of amputee football players (AF) with those of athletes without a disability (football players) (FP), and sedentary individuals (SI). METHODS: A total of 37 male participants (nAF = 12, nFP = 12, nSI = 13) were included in the study. All participants underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Aortic diameter in systole (ADs), aortic diameter in diastole (ADd), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early (E) and late (A) wave velocities, myocardial systolic (S), early diastolic (E'), and late diastolic (A') myocardial rates, interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular end-systole diameter (LVDs), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left atrial diameter (LAD), and ascending aortic diameter (AAD) were measured. RESULTS: LVDd, E' were lower in AF than in FP. In contrast, LVDs, LVPWd, and A wave were higher in AF than in FP. When AF and SI groups were compared, ADs, LVPWd, A wave, IVRT, and S wave were higher in AF than in SI. ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference between groups in LVPWd, A-wave, and E' wave. TTE data indicate that some parameters in AF differ from those observed in healthy individuals. The smaller LVEED diameter and higher PWT were found in AF. CONCLUSIONS: Although within normal limits, some ECHO parameters in the AF group differed from those without disability. Future studies should further investigate these differences using different and detailed measurement methods.