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Warrington C, Thompson A, Read J, Abram J, Mill N, Cooper R, George K, Oxborough D. The 12-Lead Electrocardiogram of the Rugby Football League Athlete: Impact of Sex and Age. Eur J Sport Sci 2025; 25:e12304. [PMID: 40323704 PMCID: PMC12051841 DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in male Rugby Football League (RFL) athletes have previously been investigated but variations in other demographics are less understood. The study examined 161 ECGs in male and female, paediatric (< 18 years old) and adult (≥ 18 years old) RFL athletes. Athletes (65% male, 35% female) aged 14-33 years underwent a 12-lead ECG that was assessed for training-related cardiac electrical adaptations. Four athletes with abnormal ECGs were excluded. Results indicated that male athletes had an increased PR interval (152 ± 32 vs. 140 ± 19 ms; p < 0.001), QRS duration (98 ± 7 vs. 87 ± 6 ms; p < 0.001), voltage criteria for right (6 ± 3 vs. 4 ± 2 mm; p < 0.001) and left (33 ± 9 vs. 27 ± 7 mm; p < 0.001) ventricular hypertrophy (RVH/LVH) compared to females, who exhibited increased resting heart rate (HR) (67 ± 11 vs. 62 ± 11 bpm; p < 0.001) and QTc intervals (408 ± 45 vs. 398 ± 22 ms; p = 0.028). Adult athletes had a reduced HR (61 ± 10 vs. 66 ± 13 bpm; p < 0.001) and RVH criteria (5 ± 2 vs. 7 ± 3 mm; p = 0.015) compared to paediatric athletes. When controlling for weekly training hours in adult athletes, males present only a longer PR interval (156 ± 32 vs. 141 ± 19 ms; p < 0.037) and QRS duration (99 ± 7 vs. 87 ± 7 ms; p < 0.001) when compared to females. These results highlight the need for tailored cardiac screening guidelines that account for an RFL athlete's sex, age and training exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Warrington
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Jade Read
- St Helens Rugby Football League ClubSt HelensUK
| | | | - Nathan Mill
- St Helens Rugby Football League ClubSt HelensUK
| | - Robert Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool Heart and Chest HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
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2
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Grendstad H, Skarstad SÅ, Edvardsen T, Hallén J. A Prospective Study on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Cardiovascular Functions in 12-Year-Old Endurance Athletes and Their Non-Endurance-Trained Peers. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2025; 35:e70016. [PMID: 39825679 DOI: 10.1111/sms.70016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/20/2025]
Abstract
The maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) is typically higher in endurance-trained adolescents than in non-endurance-trained peers. However, the specific mechanisms contributing to this remain unclear, as well as the impact of training during this developmental stage. This study aims to compare V̇O2max and cardiovascular functions between 12-year-old endurance athletes and non-endurance-trained over a 14-month period. Anthropometrics, V̇O2max, hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), blood volume (BV), and left-ventricular morphology were assessed four times over the 14 months in a group of young cross-country skiers (END, n = 42, age: 12.4 ± 0.5, girls: n = 27) and a group of controls (CON, n = 26, age: 12.3 ± 0.3, girls: n = 15). Throughout the 14-month follow-up, END did more weekly training than CON (7.0 ± 2.3 vs. 2.5 ± 2.4 h, p < 0.001), with only END conducting endurance training. END had ~18% higher V̇O2max relative to fat-free mass (FFM) than CON (p < 0.001). Stroke volume (SV) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LV EDV) relative to FFM were also higher for END than CON (p < 0.001 and 0.004), while no significant differences were found for Hbmass and BV. No significant interaction was seen for group and time for V̇O2max (p = 0.352-0.767) or any cardiovascular parameters (p = 0.131-0.956) in absolute measures or relative to FFM. In conclusion, the END group exhibited higher V̇O2max, LV EDV, and SV compared to the CON group, with no significant difference in BV and Hbmass. Despite substantial differences in training volume, the progression of these variables over the 14-month period was similar in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halvard Grendstad
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrun Ådnegard Skarstad
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Edvardsen
- ProCardio Center for Innovation, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jostein Hallén
- Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Unnithan VB, Beaumont A, Rowland T, George K, Stewart L, Sculthorpe N, Lord RN, Oxborough DL. The effect of long-term soccer training on left ventricular structure and function in elite male youth soccer players. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14594. [PMID: 38454596 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac adaptations in elite, male adolescent youth soccer players have been demonstrated in relation to training status. The time course of these adaptations and the delineation of the influence of volatile growth phases from the training effect on these adaptations remain unclear. Consequently, the aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of 3 years of elite-level soccer training on changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function in a group of highly trained elite youth male soccer players (SP) as they transitioned through the pre-to-adolescent phase of their growth. METHODS Twenty-two male youth SP from the highest Level of English Premier League Academy U-12 teams were evaluated once a year for three soccer seasons as the players progressed from the U-12 to U-14 teams. Fifteen recreationally active control participants (CON) were also evaluated over the same 3-year period. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was used to quantify LV structure and function. RESULTS After adjusting for the influence of growth and maturation, training-induced increases in Years 2 and 3 were noted for: LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV; p = 0.02) and LV end systolic volume (LVESV; p = 0.02) in the SP compared to CON. Training-induced decrements were noted for LV ejection fraction (LVEF; p = 0.006) and TDI-S' (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS An increase in training volume (Years 2 and 3) were aligned with LV volumetric adaptations and decrements in systolic function in the SP that were independent from the influence of rapid somatic growth. Decrements in systolic function were suggestive of a functional reserve for exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath B Unnithan
- Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, UK
| | - Alexander Beaumont
- School of Science, Technology and Health, York St. John University, York, UK
| | - Thomas Rowland
- Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Stewart
- School of Computing, Engineering, and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, UK
| | - Rachel N Lord
- Cardiff Centre for Health, Activity and Wellbeing Research, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David L Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Samani SL, Barlow SC, Freeburg LA, Jones TL, Poole M, Sarzynski MA, Zile MR, Shazly T, Spinale FG. Left ventricle function and post-transcriptional events with exercise training in pigs. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292243. [PMID: 38306359 PMCID: PMC10836705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardized exercise protocols have been shown to improve overall cardiovascular fitness, but direct effects on left ventricular (LV) function, particularly diastolic function and relation to post-transcriptional molecular pathways (microRNAs (miRs)) are poorly understood. This project tested the central hypothesis that adaptive LV remodeling resulting from a large animal exercise training protocol, would be directly associated with specific miRs responsible for regulating pathways relevant to LV myocardial stiffness and geometry. METHODS AND RESULTS Pigs (n = 9; 25 Kg) underwent a 4 week exercise training protocol (10 degrees elevation, 2.5 mph, 10 min, 5 days/week) whereby LV chamber stiffness (KC) and regional myocardial stiffness (rKm) were measured by Doppler/speckle tracking echocardiography. Age and weight matched non-exercise pigs (n = 6) served as controls. LV KC fell by approximately 50% and rKm by 30% following exercise (both p < 0.05). Using an 84 miR array, 34 (40%) miRs changed with exercise, whereby 8 of the changed miRs (miR-19a, miR-22, miR-30e, miR-99a, miR-142, miR-144, miR-199a, and miR-497) were correlated to the change in KC (r ≥ 0.5 p < 0.05) and mapped to matrix and calcium handling processes. Additionally, miR-22 and miR-30e decreased with exercise and mapped to a localized inflammatory process, the inflammasome (NLRP-3, whereby a 2-fold decrease in NLRP-3 mRNA occurred with exercise (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Chronic exercise reduced LV chamber and myocardial stiffness and was correlated to miRs that map to myocardial relaxation processes as well as local inflammatory pathways. These unique findings set the stage for utilization of myocardial miR profiling to identify underlying mechanisms by which exercise causes changes in LV myocardial structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Samani
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
- Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Shayne C. Barlow
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Freeburg
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
- Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Traci L. Jones
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Marlee Poole
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Sarzynski
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Zile
- Division of Cardiology, RHJ Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Tarek Shazly
- College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Francis G. Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States of America
- Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States of America
- College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
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5
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Flanagan H, Cooper R, George KP, Augustine DX, Malhotra A, Paton MF, Robinson S, Oxborough D. The athlete's heart: insights from echocardiography. Echo Res Pract 2023; 10:15. [PMID: 37848973 PMCID: PMC10583359 DOI: 10.1186/s44156-023-00027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The manifestations of the athlete's heart can create diagnostic challenges during an echocardiographic assessment. The classifications of the morphological and functional changes induced by sport participation are often beyond 'normal limits' making it imperative to identify any overlap between pathology and normal physiology. The phenotype of the athlete's heart is not exclusive to one chamber or function. Therefore, in this narrative review, we consider the effects of sporting discipline and training volume on the holistic athlete's heart, as well as demographic factors including ethnicity, body size, sex, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Flanagan
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Robert Cooper
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Keith P George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Daniel X Augustine
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria F Paton
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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McClean G, Wilson MG, Riding NR, Pieles G, Watt V, Adamuz C, Shaw A, Harkness A, Johnson A, George KP, Oxborough D. A New Tool to Aid the Differential Diagnosis of Physiological Remodelling from Cardiac Pathology When Assessing Left Ventricle, Left Atrial and Aortic Structure and Function in Male Arab and Black Paediatric Athletes. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10020037. [PMID: 36826533 PMCID: PMC9963999 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine if published Z-scores for left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA) and aortic structure as well as indices of LV function (Doppler and TDI) in paediatric athletes and non-athletes are appropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. If inappropriate, we aim to provide new nomograms and Z-scores for clinical application. Methods: 417 (297 Arab, 120 black) male paediatric (11-18 years) athletes, were evaluated by 2D echocardiography as per British Society of Echocardiography recommendations, and biological age (by radiological X-ray) assessment. Z-scores were tested by residual and correlation analysis together with visual inspection. New Z-scores involved allometric (a*BSA(b+c*chronological age)) and second-order polynomial (y=a*chronological age2+b*chronological age+c) equations for measures of cardiac size and indices of LV function, respectively. Results: Residual linear regression, correlation analysis and visual inspection revealed published z-scores in white peri-pubertal footballers and paediatric non-athletes to be inappropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of LV, LA and aortic root size to be independent of BSA, ethnicity, chronological and biological age. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of function to be independent of chronological age. Conclusion: Our new z-scores may aid differential diagnosis of suspected pathology versus physiology remodelling, in cardiac screening of the Arab and black paediatric athlete. Nomograms are provided to assist the tracking of the paediatric athlete necessitating annual follow-up and Excel z-score calculation to facilitate use in day-to-day practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McClean
- Echocardiography Laboratory, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS, London EC1A 7BE, UK
- Echocardiography Laboratory, University College London Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mathew G. Wilson
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
| | - Nathan R. Riding
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Guido Pieles
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London, London 1T 7HA, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Congenital Heart Unit, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol BS2 8ED, UK
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Victoria Watt
- Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Carmen Adamuz
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Anthony Shaw
- Department of Sports Medicine, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha 23833, Qatar
| | - Allan Harkness
- Colchester Hospital National Health Service Trust, Colchester CO4 5JL, UK
| | - Amanda Johnson
- Health Sciences Department, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Keith P. George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Correspondence:
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7
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Liu B, Zhou CJ, Ma HW, Gong B. Mapping the youth soccer: A bibliometrix analysis using R-tool. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231183550. [PMID: 37361439 PMCID: PMC10286214 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231183550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in the scientific production of youth soccer. However, a panoramic map of research on this subject does not exist. The aim of this study was to identify global research trends in youth soccer over time, among the main levels of analysis: sources, authors, documents, and keywords. The bibliometric software Biblioshiny was used to analyze 2606 articles in Web of Science (WoS) published between 2012 and 2021. The main conclusion is that US and UK scholars dominate the research; the topics of research are changing with the real needs, and research on the topic of performance has been of interest to scholars; talent identification and development, performance, injury prevention, and concussion are the studies of interest to scholars in this area. This finding, which offers a global picture of youth soccer research over time, can help future research in this or similar domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Jing Zhou
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Wei Ma
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Gong
- School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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8
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Unnithan VB, Beaumont A, Rowland T, George K, Sculthorpe N, Lord RN, Bakhshi A, Oxborough D. Left Ventricular Responses during Exercise in Highly Trained Youth Athletes: Echocardiographic Insights on Function and Adaptation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9120438. [PMID: 36547435 PMCID: PMC9787332 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9120438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increase in the prevalence of elite youth sports academies, whose sole aim is to develop future elite athletes. This involves the exposure of the child and adolescent athlete to high-volume training during a period of volatile growth. The large amount of data in this area has been garnered from the resting echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) evaluation of the youth athlete; while this can provide some insight on the functional adaptations to training, it is unable to elucidate a comprehensive overview of the function of the youth athletes' LV during exercise. Consequently, there is a need to interrogate the LV responses in-exercise. This review outlines the feasibility and functional insight of capturing global indices of LV function (Stroke Index-SVIndex and Cardiac Index-QIndex), systolic and diastolic markers, and cardiac strain during submaximal and maximal exercise. Larger SVI and QI were noted in these highly trained young athletes compared to recreationally active peers during submaximal and maximal exercise. The mechanistic insights suggest that there are minimal functional systolic adaptions during exercise compared to their recreationally active peers. Diastolic function was superior during exercise in these young athletes, and this appears to be underpinned by enhanced determinants of pre-load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath B. Unnithan
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton G72 0LH, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-01698-894413
| | - Alexander Beaumont
- School of Science, Technology and Health, York St. John University, York YO31 7EX, UK
| | - Thomas Rowland
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton G72 0LH, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton G72 0LH, UK
| | - Rachel N. Lord
- Cardiff Centre for Exercise and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | | | - David Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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9
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Weberruß H, Baumgartner L, Mühlbauer F, Shehu N, Oberhoffer-Fritz R. Training intensity influences left ventricular dimensions in young competitive athletes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:961979. [PMID: 36277759 PMCID: PMC9582149 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.961979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In young athletes, exercise causes changes in the heart that include growth in wall thickness and mass of the left ventricle and expansion of the heart’s chambers. The heart’s function is either preserved or enhanced, but this may change to the opposite over time. Objective This study aimed to assess structural and functional cardiac adaptations in relation to exercise training time, intensity, and performance in young competitive athletes. Methods A total of 404 children and adolescents (14.23 ± 2.0 years, 97 females) were enrolled in the Munich Cardiovascular Adaptations in Young Athletes Study (MuCAYA-Study). Eighty-five participants were examined two times a year. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular structure and function. Training time and intensity was measured with the MoMo physical activity questionnaire, maximum aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and strength with the handgrip strength test. Results Maximum aerobic capacity significantly influenced interventricular septal thickness in diastole. Training intensity significantly influenced left ventricular internal diameter in diastole and systole, and left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area. Within one year, interventricular wall thickness, relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass, indexed to body surface area and height, increased significantly. Training intensity and aerobic capacity contributed to cardiac adaptations in young competitive athletes, as represented by altered structural parameters but preserved cardiac function. Within a year, however, structural changes and a decline in diastolic performance were observed within the longitudinal sub-sample. Conclusion Our results confirm the hypothesis that cardiac adaptations to exercise occur at a young age. Cardiac adaptation in our cohort was influenced by exercise intensity and maximum aerobic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Weberruß
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Heidi Weberruß,
| | - Lisa Baumgartner
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Mühlbauer
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nerejda Shehu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Department of Preventive Pediatrics, TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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10
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Kendall SJ, Langley JE, Aghdam M, Crooks BN, Giacomantonio N, Heinze-Milne S, Johnston WJ, Keats MR, Mulvagh SL, Grandy SA. The Impact of Exercise on Cardiotoxicity in Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6350-6363. [PMID: 36135069 PMCID: PMC9497997 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29090500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors are disproportionately more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases from the late effects of cardiotoxic therapies (e.g., anthracycline-based chemotherapy and chest-directed radiotherapy). Currently, dexrazoxane is the only approved drug for preventing cancer treatment-related cardiac damage. While animal models highlight the beneficial effects of exercise cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction, few clinical studies have been conducted. Thus, the objective of this scoping review was to explore the designs and impact of exercise-based interventions for managing cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors. Reviewers used Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology to identify relevant literature. Then, 4616 studies were screened, and three reviewers extracted relevant data from six reports. Reviewers found that exercise interventions to prevent cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors vary regarding frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise intervention. Further, the review suggests that exercise promotes positive effects on managing cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction across numerous indices of heart health. However, the few clinical studies employing exercise interventions for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors highlight the necessity for more research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Kendall
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Jodi E. Langley
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Mohsen Aghdam
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Bruce N. Crooks
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health, Halifax, NS B3K6R8, Canada
| | - Nicholas Giacomantonio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H3A7, Canada
| | - Stefan Heinze-Milne
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Will J. Johnston
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Melanie R. Keats
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Sharon L. Mulvagh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H3A7, Canada
| | - Scott A. Grandy
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H3A7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
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11
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Zhao K, Liu Y, Dong L, Gao B. Echocardiographic myocardial work in pre-adolescent male basketball players: a comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise test-derived aerobic capacity. Front Physiol 2022; 13:913623. [PMID: 35936902 PMCID: PMC9355256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.913623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pressure-strain loop (PSL) analysis provides a novel, less load-dependent non-invasive method to quantify myocardial work and demonstrates a significant correlation with the contractile reserve in adult athletes. We aim to validate PSL-derived markers in characterizing LV function in pre-adolescent basketball players by comparing results before and after the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) and explore its association with CPX-derived aerobic capacity.Methods: Cardiac morphology and function in 20 pre-adolescent basketball players were assessed at 9.7 years old (9.7 ± 1.1 year) before and after cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Echocardiography was performed in all subjects, including two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Simultaneous brachial-cuff-measured blood pressure was recorded to perform PSL analysis.Results: Nineteen subjects were included in the final analysis. Exercise training in pre-adolescent males was associated with lower global work index (GWI) and global work efficiency (GWE) at rest. GWE at stress was significantly correlated with VO2max and peak O2 pulse (p = 0.0122, r = 0.56; p = 0.00122, r = 0.69, respectively). When indexed by body mass, GWI and GWE both significantly correlated with relative VO2max (p = 0.0086 and 0.0011 respectively, r = 0.58 and 0.69 respectively); GWI and GWE at baseline and stress were all significantly correlated with peak O2 pulse (GWI at baseline, p< 0.0001, r = −0.90; GWE at baseline, p< 0.0001, r = −0.89; GWI at stress, p= 0.0289, r = −0.50; GWE at stress, p< 0.0001, r = −0.83).Conclusion: PSL-analysis-derived GWI and GWE at rest indexed by body mass are associated with cardiopulmonary exercise test-derived peak oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse in pre-adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Zhao
- High Performance Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Dong
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Dong, ; Binghong Gao,
| | - Binghong Gao
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Dong, ; Binghong Gao,
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12
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Stembridge M, Perkins DR. Response to letter by Grendstad and Skattebo: Puberty, more important for cardiovascular adaptations than endurance training? J Physiol 2022; 600:2819-2821. [PMID: 35503732 DOI: 10.1113/jp283131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - D R Perkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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13
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Unnithan VB, Rowland T, George K, Bakhshi A, Beaumont A, Sculthorpe N, Lord RN, Oxborough DL. The effect of long-term soccer training on changes in cardiac function during exercise in elite youth soccer players. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:892-902. [PMID: 35114040 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear what the effect of long-term, high-volume soccer training has on left ventricular (LV) function during exercise in youth soccer players. This study evaluated changes in LV function during submaximal exercise in a group of highly-trained male soccer players (SP) as they transitioned over a three-year period from pre-adolescent to adolescent athletes. Data were compared to age-and sex-matched recreationally active controls (CON) over the same time period. Twenty-two SP from two professional English Premier League youth soccer academies (age: 12.0 ± 0.3 years at start of the study) and 15 CON (age: 11.7 ± 0.3 years) were recruited. Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to quantify LV function during exercise at the same submaximal metabolic load (approx. 45%VO2 peak) across the 3 years. After controlling for growth and maturation, there were training-induced changes and superiority (p<0.001) in cardiac index (QIndex) from year 1 in the SP compared to CON. SP (year 1: 6.13 ± 0.76; year 2: 6.94 ± 1.31 and year 3: 7.20 ± 1.81 L/min/m2 ) compared to CON (year 1: 5.15 ± 1.12; year 2: 4.67 ± 1.04 and year 3: 5.49 ± 1.06 L/min/m2 ). Similar training-induced increases were noted for mitral inflow velocity (E): SP (year 1: 129 ± 12; year 2: 143 ± 16 and year 3: 135 ± 18 cm/s) compared to CON (year 1: 113 ± 10; year 2: 111 ± 12 and year 3: 121 ± 9 cm/s).This study indicated that there was evidence of yearly, training-induced increases in left ventricular function during submaximal exercise independent from the influence of growth and maturation in elite youth SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanath Balagopalan Unnithan
- Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, UK
| | - Thomas Rowland
- Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, UK
| | - Keith George
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, UK
| | - Rachel Nia Lord
- Cardiff Centre for Exercise and Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David Lee Oxborough
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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14
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The influence of training status on right ventricular morphology and segmental strain in elite pre-adolescent soccer players. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1419-1429. [PMID: 33616754 PMCID: PMC8064972 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04634-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac modifications to training are a product of the genetic pre-disposition for adaptation and the repetitive haemodynamic loads that are placed on the myocardium. Elite pre-adolescent athletes are exposed to high-intensity training at a young age with little understanding of the physiological and clinical consequences. It is unclear how right ventricular (RV) structure and function may respond to this type of stimulus. The aim of this study was to compare RV structure and strain across the cardiac cycle and within individual segments in elite soccer players (SP) and controls (CON). METHODS Twenty-two highly trained, male pre-adolescent SP and 22 age-and sex-matched recreationally active individuals CON were investigated using 2D echocardiography, including myocardial speckle tracking to assess basal, mid-wall, apical and global longitudinal strain and strain rate during systole (SRS) and diastole (SRE and SRA). RESULTS greater RV cavity size was identified in the SP compared to CON (RVD1 SP: 32.3 ± 3.1 vs. CON: 29.6 ± 2.8 (mm/m2)0.5; p = 0.005). No inter-group differences were noted for peak global RV strain (SP: - 28.6 ± 4.9 vs CON: - 30.3 ± 4.0%, p = 0.11). Lower mid-wall strain was demonstrated in the SP compared to CON (SP: - 27.9 ± 5.8 vs. CON: - 32.2 ± 4.4%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Soccer training has the potential to increase RV size in pre-adolescent players. The unique segmental analyses used in this study have identified inter-group differences that were masked by global strain evaluations. The clinical and physiological implications of these findings warrant further investigation.
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15
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Huang Z, Fonseca R, Sharman JE, Park C, Chaturvedi N, Howe LD, Hughes AD, Schultz MG. The influence of fitness on exercise blood pressure and its association with cardiac structure in adolescence. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1033-1039. [PMID: 32100896 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) is associated with altered cardiac structure and increased cardiovascular risk. Fitness modifies these associations, but the effect in healthy adolescents is unknown. We performed an observational study to determine the influence of fitness on post-exercise BP, and on its relationship with cardiac structure in adolescents. METHODS 4835 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, (15.4 (0.3) years, 49% male) completed a submaximal cycle test. Fitness was estimated as physical work capacity 170 adjusted for lean body mass and post-exercise BP measured immediately posttest. Cardiovascular structure and function, including left ventricular (LV) mass (n = 1589), left atrium (LA) size (n = 1466), cardiac output (CO, n = 1610), and total peripheral resistance (TPR, n = 1610) were measured at rest by echocardiography 2.4 (0.4) years later. RESULTS Post-exercise systolic BP increased stepwise by fitness tertile (131.2 mm Hg [130.4, 132.1]; 137.3 mm Hg [136.5, 138.0]; 142.3 mm Hg [141.5, 143.1]). Each 5 mm Hg of post-exercise systolic BP was associated with 2.46 g [1.91, 3.01] greater LV mass, 0.02 cm [0.02, 0.03] greater LA size, and 0.25 g/m2.7 [0.14, 0.36] greater LV mass index. Adjustment for fitness abolished associations (0.29 g [-0.16, 0.74]; 0.01 cm [-0.001, 0.014] and 0.08 g/m2.7 [-0.001, 0.002]). Similar associations between post-exercise systolic BP and each outcome were found between the lowest and highest fitness thirds. CO increased with fitness third (difference 0.06 L/min [-0.05, 0.17]; 0.23 L/min [0.12, 0.34]) while TPR decreased (difference -0.13 mm Hg·min/L [-0.84,0.59]; -1.08 mm Hg·min/L [-0.1.80, 0.35]). CONCLUSIONS Post-exercise systolic BP increased with fitness, which modified its association with cardiac structure. Higher CO, but lower TPR suggests a physiologically adapted cardiovascular system with greater fitness, highlighting the importance of fitness in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Huang
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Ricardo Fonseca
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - James E Sharman
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Chloe Park
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nish Chaturvedi
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK.,MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, UK
| | - Laura D Howe
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alun D Hughes
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK.,MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, UK
| | - Martin G Schultz
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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16
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Gerling S. Pre-participation screening in young elite athletes: Towards a new algorithm? Eur J Prev Cardiol 2020; 27:1491-1493. [PMID: 31914795 DOI: 10.1177/2047487319897334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gerling
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Regensburg, Germany
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