Acute Effects of Short-Term Massage Procedures on Neuromechanical Contractile Properties of Rectus Femoris Muscle.

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages' effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. METHODS: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. CONCLUSION: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.

Relationship between hypertrophy, strength gains and tensiomyography adaptations: a moderator role of contraction duration.

The aim of the study was to investigate how the relationship between resistance training-induced hypertrophy, strength, and passive contractile adaptations is affected by contraction duration. Twenty university students (11 males) were randomly assigned to either the fast eccentric/fast concentric phase group (F/F; 1 s both phases) or the slow eccentric/fast concentric phase group (S/F; 4 s and 1 s, respectively). Both experimental groups completed a 7-week biceps curl training programme with a total of 14 sessions (2 days/week). Elbow flexor muscle thickness (MT), one-repetition maximum (1RM), and tensiomyographic (TMG) parameters (radial displacement-Dm and contraction time-Tc) were assessed. The percentage change (∆) in MT correlated significantly with the ∆1RM only in the S/F group (r = 0.712, p < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant negative associations between ∆MT and ∆Dm (r = 0.717-0.760, p < 0.01). Conversely, no significance was found between ∆MT and ∆Tc (F/F: r = -0.398, p = 0.255; S/F: r = 0.410, p = 0.239), ∆1RM and ∆Tc (F/F: r = -0.278, p = 0.436; S/F: r = 0.223, p = 0.536), nor ∆1RM and ∆Dm (F/F: r = - 0.131, p = 0.719; S/F: r = - 0.351, p = 0.320). The main findings indicate that the relationship between hypertrophy and strength gains is significantly stronger when resistance training was paced with slower eccentric contractions comparing to fast ones. On the other hand, reduced Dm values indicate increase in MT regardless of contraction duration, while strength gains are not correlated with corresponding TMG changes.

Resistance training induces similar adaptations of upper and lower-body muscles between sexes.

The purpose of the study was to compare sex adaptations in hypertrophy, strength and contractile properties of upper and lower-body muscles induced by resistance training (RT). Eighteen RT untrained male (MG) and female (FG) students (aged 24.1 ± 1.7 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.08 m, weight: 70.4 ± 12.3 kg) undervent 7 weeks of biceps curl and squat training (2 days/week, 60-70% repetition maximum, 3-4 sets, 120 s rest intervals, reps until muscular failure). At baseline and final measurement, thickness and cross-section area, one-repetition maximum and tensiomyography parameters (contraction time - Tc and radial displacement - Dm) of elbow flexors (biceps brachii) and knee extensors (4 quadriceps muscles) were evaluated. Although MG tends to display greater absolute strength gains for upper- (p = 0.055) and lower-body (p = 0.098), for relative changes ANCOVA revealed no sex-specific differences for either of the tested variables. Significant hypertrophy was observed for all tested muscles, except for vastus intermedius in FG (p = 0.076). The Dm significantly decreased for biceps brachii (MG by 12%, p < 0.01 and FG by 13.1%, p < 0.01) and rectus femoris (MG by19.2%, p < 0.01 and FG by 12.3%, p < 0.05), while Tc values remain unchanged. These results indicate that initial morphological, functional and contractile alterations following RT are similar for males and females, and that there are no specific sex adaptations either for the upper- or lower-body muscles. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04845295).

Effects of resistance training on hypertrophy, strength and tensiomyography parameters of elbow flexors: role of eccentric phase duration.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two different training protocols, which differ in the duration of the eccentric phase, on the one-repetition maximum (1RM), thickness and contractile properties of elbow flexors. Twenty untrained college students were randomly divided into two experimental groups, based on the training tempo: FEG (Faster Eccentric Group: 1/0/1/0) and SEG (Slower Eccentric Group: 4/0/1/0). Training intervention was a biceps bending exercise, conducted twice a week for 7 weeks. The intensity (60-70% RM), sets (3-4) and rest intervals (120 s) were held constant, while repetitions were performed until it was not possible to maintain a set duration. In the initial and final measurements, 1RM, muscle thickness and tensiomyography parameters - contraction time (Tc) and radial deformation (Dm) - were evaluated. An ANCOVA model (using baseline outcomes as covariates) was applied to determine between-group differences at post-test, while Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between absolute changes in muscle thickness and Dm. Muscle strength increase was greater for SEG than for FEG (6.0 ± 1.76 vs. 3.30 ± 2.26 kg, p < 0.01). In both groups muscle thickness increased equally (FEG: 3.24 ± 2.01 vs. SEG: 3.57 ± 1.17 mm, p < 0.01), while an overall reduction in Dm was observed (FEG: 1.99 ± 1.20 vs. SEG: 2.26 ± 1.03 mm, p < 0.01). Values of Tc remained unchanged. A significant negative relationship was observed between changes in muscle thickness and Dm (r = -0.763, Adj.R² = 0.560, p < 0.01). These results indicate that the duration of the eccentric phase has no effect on muscle hypertrophy in untrained subjects, but that slower eccentric movement significantly increases 1RM.

Quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area and specific leg strength: relationship between different muscles and squat variations.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine the relationship between the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris and strength performance in the deep and parallel barbell squat. METHODS: The sample included 16 university students (seven female, 24.1 ± 1.7 years). Muscle strength was expressed as external load, including the one-repetition maximum and the body mass segments involved (calculated according to Dempster's method). The cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris muscles was determined using ultrasound, while leg muscle mass was measured using the Bioelectrical Impedance method. RESULTS: The cross-sectional areas of the three vastii muscles and leg muscle mass showed moderate to strong correlation with external load in both squat types (r = 0.509-0.873). However, partial correlation (cross-sectional area of quadriceps femoris muscles were controlled) showed significant association only between leg muscle mass and deep squat (r = 0.64, p < 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis showed a slightly higher correlation with external load in the parallel than in the deep squat (r = 0.67, p < 0.01 vs. r = 0.59, p < 0.05). The regression analysis extracted the vastus medialis cross-sectional area as the most important factor in manifesting strength (parallel squat: R 2 = 0.569; deep squat: R 2 = 0.499, both p < 0.01). The obtained results suggest that parallel squat strength depends mainly on the cross-sectional area of the vastii muscles, while it seems that the performance in the deep squat requires an additional engagement of the hip and back extensor muscle groups.

Physical activity and exercise as an essential medical strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

COVID-19 disease has been a problem in today's society, which has worldwide effects on different areas, especially on the economy; also, from a health perspective, the disease affects the daily life quality. Physical activity is one major positive factor with regard to enhancing life quality, as it can improve the whole psychological, social, and physical health conditions. Current measures such as social distancing are focused on preventing the viral spread. However, the consequences on other areas are yet to be investigated. Elderly, people with chronic diseases, obese, and others benefit largely from exercise from the perspective of improved health, and preventive measures can drastically improve daily living. In this article, we elaborate the effects of exercise on the immune system and the possible strategies that can be implemented toward greater preventive potential.

Effects of calorie restricted low carbohydrate high fat ketogenic vs. non-ketogenic diet on strength, body-composition, hormonal and lipid profile in trained middle-aged men.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this paper was to investigate and compare the effects of two iso-energetic hypo-caloric ketogenic hyper-ketonemic and non-ketogenic low carbohydrate high fat high cholesterol diets on body-composition, muscle strength and hormonal profile in experienced resistance-trained middle-aged men. METHODS: Twenty non-competitive experienced resistance-trained middle-aged men were on the supervised calorie maintenance western diet and resistance-training regimen for 4 weeks and then divided into ketogenic and non-ketogenic groups for 8 weeks period. Keto bodies (ß-hydroxybutyrate) levels were measured weekly, testosterone and insulin biweekly, strength and body-composition monthly, lipid profile and blood sugar level at the beginning and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Both groups lost a similar amount of lean body mass and fat tissue (from F = 248.665, p < 0.001 to F = 21.943, p = 0.001), but preserved maximal upper and lower body strength (from F = 1.772, p = 0.238 to F = 0.595, p = 0.577). Basal testosterone and free testosterone increased (from F = 37.267, p = 0.001 to F = 16.261, p = 0.005) and insulin levels decreased significantly in both groups (F = 27.609, p = 0.001; F = 54.256, p < 0.001, respectively). No differences in lipid profile and blood sugar level were found (from F = 4.174, p = 0.058, to F = 0.065, p = 0.802). CONCLUSIONS: Ketogenic diet with sustained hyper-ketonemia above 1 mol/l has the same impact as low carbohydrate non-ketogenic diet on muscle strength, body-composition, and hormonal and lipid profile in hypo-caloric dietary conditions in strength-trained middle-aged men.

The assessment of muscle mechanical properties in multi-joint movements reveals inverse correlation of leg muscle force and power with gait transition speed.

BACKGROUND: The impact that mechanical factors might have on gait reorganization was evaluated by the relationship between muscle mechanical capacity of isolated leg muscle groups and transition speed in previous studies. However, until now there are no studies that explored the relationship between muscle mechanical properties measured in cyclic multi-joint movements and gait transition speed. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the nature of the relationship between gait transition speed and muscle mechanical capacities measured in cyclic multi-joint movements? METHODS: The sample included 18 physically active male adults, stratified by anthropometric dimensions. Individual walk-to-run (WRT) and run-to-walk transition speed (RWT) were determined using the standard incremental protocol. Mechanical capacities of leg muscles were assessed by linear force-velocity models obtained during treadmill locomotion and on bicycle-ergometer. RESULTS: The results revealed inverse correlation between WRT and RWT and maximal force assessed on treadmill (F0; r = -0.57 and r = -0.54, respectively), as well with F0 (r = -0.65 and r = -0.58, respectively) and maximal power (Pmax; -0.66 and -0.65, respectively) collected on bicycle-ergometer. SIGNIFICANCE: This study confirmed that mechanical muscle capacities are important physical limitation factors of transition speed, explaining over 36 % of the variance. The findings showed that a novel approach, with high biomechanical similarities with natural locomotion, revealed different results (negative correlations) in comparison to previous studies.

Sensory feedback restoration in leg amputees improves walking speed, metabolic cost and phantom pain.

Conventional leg prostheses do not convey sensory information about motion or interaction with the ground to above-knee amputees, thereby reducing confidence and walking speed in the users that is associated with high mental and physical fatigue1-4. The lack of physiological feedback from the remaining extremity to the brain also contributes to the generation of phantom limb pain from the missing leg5,6. To determine whether neural sensory feedback restoration addresses these issues, we conducted a study with two transfemoral amputees, implanted with four intraneural stimulation electrodes7 in the remaining tibial nerve (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03350061). Participants were evaluated while using a neuroprosthetic device consisting of a prosthetic leg equipped with foot and knee sensors. These sensors drive neural stimulation, which elicits sensations of knee motion and the sole of the foot touching the ground. We found that walking speed and self-reported confidence increased while mental and physical fatigue decreased for both participants during neural sensory feedback compared to the no stimulation trials. Furthermore, participants exhibited reduced phantom limb pain with neural sensory feedback. The results from these proof-of-concept cases provide the rationale for larger population studies investigating the clinical utility of neuroprostheses that restore sensory feedback.

Force-velocity relationship of leg muscles assessed with motorized treadmill tests: Two-velocity method.

Linear regression models applied on force (F) and velocity (V) data obtained from loaded multi-joint functional movement tasks have often been used to assess mechanical capacities of the tested muscles. The present study aimed to explore the properties of the F-V relationship of leg muscles exerting the maximum pulling F at a wide range of V on a standard motorized treadmill. Young and physically active male and female subjects (N=13+15) were tested on their maximum pulling F exerted horizontally while walking or running on a treadmill set to 8 different velocities (1.4-3.3m/s). Both the individual (median R=0.935) and averaged across the subjects F-V relationships (R=0.994) proved to be approximately linear and exceptionally strong, while their parameters depicting the leg muscle capacities for producing maximum F, V, and power (P; proportional to the product of F and V) were highly reliable (0.84

Impact of Body Composition and Vo2 Max on the Competitive Success in Top-Level Handball Players.

The purpose of the study was to determine the morphological and functional characteristics of 32 Serbian national U20 handball players (age 20.43 +/- 1.16 y; training experience 8.12 +/- 1.89 y) before European championship in Switzerland (2006) and to determinate their impact on competitive performance and outstanding success achieved. The results show that wing players differ from other players in morphological characteristics. Values for body height, weight, BMI, muscle mass and fat mass were significantly lower compared to the other playing positions. Extremely low values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were measured in all players (ranged from 2.68 to 4.66 l x min(-1)). Pivots had the highest VO2 max in absolute values (3.76 l x min(-1)), and wing players in relative terms (40.83 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). Handball is characterized by high intensity intermittent play, followed by a number of walking breaks and quick substitutions. This makes possible to retain high playing intensity during whole match, because players can be given rest periods whenever needed. This will result in a high intensity game that does not necessarily require high VO2 max. Competitive success in modern top-level handball might be more reliant on optimal tactical preparation than on the body composition and VO2 max of an individual athlete.

The relationship between hip, knee and ankle muscle mechanical characteristics and gait transition speed.

The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between mechanical characteristics of hip, knee and ankle extensor and flexor muscle groups and gait transition speed. The sample included 29 physically active male adults homogenized regarding their anthropometric dimensions. Isokinetic and isometric leg muscle mechanical characteristics were assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer, while individual walk-to-run (WRT) and run-to-walk transition speeds (RWT) were determined using the standard increment protocol. The relationship between transition speeds and mechanical variables scaled to body size was determined using Pearson correlation and stepwise linear regression. The highest correlations were found for isokinetic power of ankle dorsal flexors and WRT (r=.468, p<.01) and the power of hip extensors and RWT (r=.442, p<.05). These variables were also the best predictors of WRT and RWT revealing approximately 20% of explained variance. Under the isometric conditions, the maximal force and rate of force development of hip flexors and ankle plantar flexors were moderately related with WRT and RWT (ranged from r=.340 to .427). The only knee muscle mechanical variable that correlated with WRT was low velocity knee flexor torque (r=.366, p<.05). The results generally suggest that the muscle mechanical properties, such as the power of ankle dorsal flexors and hip extensors, influence values of WRT and RWT.

The relationship between allometry and preferred transition speed in human locomotion.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between preferred transition speed (PTS) and anthropometric characteristics, body composition and different human body proportions in males. In a sample of 59 male students, we collected anthropometric and body composition data and determined individual PTS using increment protocol. The relationships between PTS and other variables were determined using Pearson correlation, stepwise linear and hierarchical regression. Body ratios were formed as quotient of two variables whereby at least one significantly correlated to PTS. Circular and transversal (except bitrochanteric diameter) body dimensions did not correlate with PTS. Moderate correlations were found between longitudinal leg dimensions (foot, leg and thigh length) and PTS, while the highest correlation was found for lower leg length (r=.488, p<.01). Two parameters related to body composition showed weak correlation with PTS: body fat mass (r=-.250, p<.05) and amount of lean leg mass scaled to body weight (r=.309, p<.05). Segmental body proportions correlated more significantly with PTS, where thigh/lower leg length ratio showed the highest correlation (r=.521, p<.01). Prediction model with individual variables (lower leg and foot length) have explained just 31% of PTS variability, while model with body proportions showed almost 20% better prediction (R(2)=.504). These results suggests that longitudinal leg dimensions have moderate influence on PTS and that segmental body proportions significantly more explain PTS than single anthropometric variables.

Blood pressure variability and left ventricular mass index in children.

Clinical implications of blood pressure variability (BPV) on subclinical organ damage in children are unknown. The authors sought to explore the potential utility of two newly derived BPV indices: weighted standard deviation (wBPSD) and real average variability (ARV), as well as two standard ambulatory blood pressure indices: average 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour SBP load, to identify children at high risk for left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH). The study group consisted of 67 consecutive children who were referred to our institution for evaluation of suspected hypertension. LV mass was estimated by M-mode echocardiography using Devereux's formula according to the Penn convention and indexed for height(2.7) . We found a statistically significant, positive correlation between 24-hour wBPSD and LV mass index (LVMI) (ρ=0.389; P=.002) and no correlation between 24-hour ARV and LVMI (P>.05). However, partial correlation analysis of 24-hour wBPSD adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and LVMI showed only a weak correlation (ρ=0.3; P=.022). By using multiple linear regression analysis in a model with LVMI as a dependent variable and 24-hour wBPSD, 24-hour ARV, and BMI as independent variables, only BMI showed statistically significant independent positive associations with LVMI (P=.028). Results of our study showed that currently used BPV indices (24-hour wBPSD and 24-hour ARV) are not clinically reliable parameters to identify children at risk for LVH. Apparent contribution of the 24-hour wBPSD parameter to LVMI is negligible and is secondary to its close correlation with BMI (ρ=0.335 P=.009).

[Physiological adaptation of anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters on physical activity of elite athletes].

INTRODUCTION: Specific morphological and functional characteristics of athletes have a significant role in determining athletes' sports results and can be also used to assess the athlete's individual potential. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare anthropometric characteristics and cardiovascular parameters in trained subjects to those of untrained subjects. METHODS: A total number of 25 trained (17.30 +/- 0.83 years) and 21 (18.52 +/- 1.52 years) untrained male subjects participated in this study. Body weight and height were measured and these values were used to compute body mass index (BMI).The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was used to estimate body fat percentage (%BF). Cardiovascular parameters were monitored in rest (rest heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) during ergospirometric testing (maximal oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate) and in recovery (heart rate in the first and third minute of recovery). RESULTS: Body mass, height and BMI (p<0.01) were significantly higher, although BF% was lower in trained group when compared to untrained, but the difference was not statistically significant. Heart rate in rest and recovery were significantly lower (p<0.05) in trained group when compared to untrained, although maximal oxygen consumption and maximal heart rate were significantly higher in trained group (p<0.01, p<0.05, respectevely). CONCLUSION: Our results show that in trained subjects, water polo players, regular intense physical activity lead to adaptive changes of anthropometric parameters and adaptive changes on the cardiovascular system.

Walking at speeds close to the preferred transition speed as an approach to obesity treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing energy expenditure through certain exercise is an important component of effective interventions to enhance initial weight loss and prevent weight regain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 16-week weight loss exercise programme on morpho-functional changes in female adults and to examine the programme effects on two subpopulations with different levels of obesity. METHODS: Fifty-six middle-aged women were divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index (BMI): 25-29.9 kg/m2--overweight (OW) and > or =30 kg/m2--obese (OB). The exercise protocol included a walking technique based on hip rotation at horizontal plane at speeds close to the preferred transition speed (PTS). At the initiation of the study and after 16 weeks of the programme, anthropometric, morphological and cardiovascular parameters of all subjects were assessed. The main effects of Group (OW and OB) and Time and the interaction effect of Group by Time were tested by time repeated measures general linear model (mixed between-within subjects ANOVA). RESULTS: Mean weight loss during the programme was 10.3 kg and 20.1 kg in OW and OB, respectively. The average fat mass (FM) loss was 9.4 kg in OW and 16.9 kg in OB. The mixed ANOVA revealed a significant group by time interaction effects for waist circumference, body weight, body water, fat free mass, FM, %FM and BMI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The applied exercise protocol has proved as beneficial in the treatment of obesity, since it resulted in a significant weight loss and body composition changes. The reduction in body weight was achieved mainly on account of the loss of fat mass.

[Sudden cardiac death in young athletes].

Cardiovascular diseases are the cause of death in up to 90% of athletes. The most frequent cause of death in young athletes is a sudden cardiac death (SCD). Causes of SCD among athletes are strongly correlated with age. In young athletes (< 35 years), the leading causes are congenital cardiac diseases, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital coronary artery anomalies. By contrast, most of deaths in older athletes (< 35 years) are due to coronary artery disease. Although there is no possibility to decrease the risk of SCD to "zero", especially in sport competitions, clear recommendations, if available, for cardiovascular evaluation before athletic participation and side effects of sports activities, would minimize the frequency of SCD. If a specific condition of the cardiovascular system is diagnosed, it is necessary to establish the risk of SCD associated with a continual involvement in physical activities and competitive sports, and to define clearly disqualification criteria for each individual athlete.

[Evaluation of myocardial function in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes and hypertensive patients].

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial hypertrophy of the left ventricle may be of physiological or pathological nature. Distinction of these two types of hypertrophy is sometimes not easy and represents a diagnostic challenge. The aim of the study was to assess global diastolic and regional systolic and diastolic myocardial function in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes and hypertensive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 18 male hypertensive patients and 14 male athletes global diastolic left ventricular function and regional systolic and diastolic myocardial function of septum and posterior wall were investigated by pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Ejection fraction and left ventricle mass index did not differ significantly between two groups. Hypertensive patients were found to have diastolic dysfunction while athletes had normal left ventricular diastolic function (the difference between the groups was P < 0.00001). Index of regional diastolic function of septum as well as of the posterior wall was significantly less in hypertensive patients than in athletes (P < 0.00001 for both). In spite of the normal global systolic function the regional systolic function of septum and posterior wall was significantly less in hypertensive patients than in athletes (P < 0.02 for both). CONCLUSION: The present results show significantly less global and regional diastolic function of hypertrophied myocardium in hypertensive patients than in athletes. In the presence of preserved left ventricular systolic function, the quantification of myocardial velocity revealed significantly lower regional systolic function of septum and posterior wall in hypertensive patients than in athletes.

Prevalence and correlates of left ventricular hypertrophy in the African American Study of Kidney Disease Cohort Study.

African Americans with hypertensive renal disease represent a high-risk population for cardiovascular events. Although left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong predictor of adverse cardiac outcome, the prevalence and associated factors of left ventricular hypertrophy in this patient population are not well described. The African American Study of Kidney Disease Cohort Study is a prospective, observational study that is an extension of the African American Study of Kidney Disease randomized clinical trial that was conducted from 1994 to 2001 in African Americans with hypertension and mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. Echocardiograms and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed at the baseline visit of the cohort. Of 691 patients enrolled in the cohort study, 599 patients had interpretable baseline echocardiograms and ambulatory blood pressure data. Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined using a cut point for left ventricular mass index >49.2 g/m(2.7) in men and >46.7 m/m(2.7) in women. The majority of patients had left ventricular hypertrophy (66.7% of men and 73.9% of women). In a multiple regression analysis, higher average day and nighttime systolic blood pressure, younger age, and lower predicted glomerular filtration rate were associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, but albuminuria was not. These data demonstrate a striking prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in the African American Study of Kidney Disease Cohort and identify potential targets for prevention and therapeutic intervention in this high-risk patient population.