Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(5): 380-383
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817827
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Left Ventricular Morphology and Function in Female Athletes: A Meta-Analysis

G. P. Whyte1 , K. George2 , A. Nevill3 , R. Shave4 , S. Sharma5 , W. J. McKenna6
  • 1CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology, Olympic Medical Institute, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
  • 2Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
  • 3Department of Sports Studies, University of Wolverhampton, UK
  • 4Department of Sports Science, Brunel University, UK
  • 5Department of Cardiology, Lewisham University Hospital, UK
  • 6Department of Cardiological Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: November 24, 2003

Publication Date:
08 July 2004 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of physical training upon cardiac structure and function, and identify physiologic upper limits in female athletes. Meta-analytical techniques were applied to 13 published echocardiographic studies examining cardiac structure and function in female athletes. The study group included 890 athletes and 333 controls. For comparison of sporting discipline, studies were partitioned into 3 categories (endurance, strength/sprint, team). Significant (p < 0.05) effect sizes were observed for all structural measures between athletes and controls. Significant effect size differences existed between sporting groups for LVIDd and LVM only, with endurance and team game athletes demonstrating the largest effect sizes compared to strength trained athletes. No significant effect of training was observed for left ventricular diastolic or systolic function, with the exception of stroke volume where a significant effect size difference was observed between athletes and controls with no observed difference between sporting groups. Maximum reported upper limits for LV wall thickness and LVIDd in female athletes were 12 mm and 66 mm respectively. Chronic exercise training results in cardiac enlargement in female athletes. The nature of physiologic adaptation is similar to that observed in male athletes. LV wall thickness values greater than 12 mm in female athletes should be viewed with caution and indicate a more comprehensive evaluation to establish a physiological or pathological basis for the observed left ventricular enlargement.

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Dr. Gregory WhyteResearch Manager

Olympic Medical Institute, Northwick Park Hospital

Watford Road

Harrow, Middx, HA1 3UJ

England

Phone: + 442088247200

Fax: + 44 20 88 24 72 00

Email: greg.whyte@boa.org.uk

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