Electrocardiographic predictors of left ventricular scar in athletes with right bundle branch block premature ventricular beats.

AIMS: Right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) have been associated with the presence of non-ischaemic left ventricular scar (NLVS) in athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) predictors of the presence of NLVS in athletes with RBBB VAs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-four athletes [median age 39 (24-53) years, 79% males] with non-sustained RBBB VAs underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement in order to exclude the presence of a concealed structural heart disease. Thirty-six athletes (56%) showed NLVS at CMR and were assigned to the NLVS positive group, whereas 28 athletes (44%) to the NLVS negative group. Family history of cardiomyopathy and seven different ECG variables were statistically more prevalent in the NLVS positive group. At univariate analysis, seven ECG variables (low QRS voltages in limb leads, negative T waves in inferior leads, negative T waves in limb leads I-aVL, negative T waves in precordial leads V4-V6, presence of left posterior fascicular block, presence of pathologic Q waves, and poor R-wave progression in right precordial leads) proved to be statistically associated with the finding of NLVS; these were grouped together in a score. A score ≥2 was proved to be the optimal cut-off point, identifying NLVS athletes in 92% of cases and showing the best accuracy (86% sensitivity and 100% specificity, respectively). However, a cut-off ≥1 correctly identified all patients with NLVS (absence of false negatives). CONCLUSION: In athletes with RBBB morphology non-sustained VAs, specific ECG abnormalities at 12-lead ECG can help in detecting subjects with NLVS at CMR.

In athletes with right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), the presence of a non-ischaemic left ventricular scar (NLVS) may be highly suspected if one or more of the following electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics are present at the 12-lead resting ECG: low QRS voltages in limb leads, negative T waves in inferior leads, negative T waves in limb leads I­aVL, negative T waves in precordial leads V4­V6, presence of left posterior fascicular block, presence of pathologic Q waves, and poor R-wave progression in right precordial leads. This score should be externally validated in a larger population of athletes with VAs. In athletes with RBBB morphology non-sustained Vas, attention should be placed on the 12-lead resting ECG to suspect the presence of an NLVS. In athletes with RBBB VAs and the presence of one or more of the identified ECG characteristics, a cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement is useful to rule out an NLVS.

Physical exercises for breast cancer survivors: effects of 10 weeks of training on upper limb circumferences.

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to verify the effects on upper limb circumferences and total body extracellular water of 10 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) and Walking (W), both alone and combined with a series of exercises created for breast cancer survivors, the ISA method. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to 4 different training groups and evaluated for upper limb circumferences, total body and extracellular water. [Results] The breast cancer survivors who performed NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method (but not alone) showed significantly reduced arm and forearm circumferences homolateral to the surgical intervention. [Conclusion] For breast cancer survivors, NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method should be prescribed to prevent the onset and to treat light forms of upper limb lymphedema because Walking training practiced alone had no significant effect on upper limb circumference reduction.

Nordic Walking and the Isa Method for Breast Cancer Survivors: Effects on Upper Limb Circumferences and Total Body Extracellular Water - a Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The negative side effects of breast cancer treatments can include upper limb lymphoedema. The growing literature indicates that Nordic walking is an effective discipline against several disease symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether introduction to Nordic walking alone is effective against total body extracellular water and upper limb circumferences in breast cancer survivors compared to its combination with a series of specifically created exercises (i.e. the Isa method). METHODS: 16 breast cancer survivors (49.09 ± 2.24 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 different training groups. RESULTS: 10 lessons on Nordic walking technique plus the Isa method significantly reduced both extracellular body water and the extracellular-to-total body water ratio (p = 0.01 for both), and also the circumference of the upper limb, (both relaxed arm and forearm circumferences) (p = 0.01 for all), whereas Nordic walking alone did not. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction to Nordic walking does not seem to affect lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors. This might be because novice Nordic Walkers do not adequately generate an effective muscular pump through coordination of the alternated bimanual open-close cycle. The Isa method appears to close this gap.