The effect of long‐term soccer training on left ventricular structure and function in elite male youth soccer players

Viswanath B. Unnithan*, Alexander Beaumont, Thomas Rowland, Keith George, Laura Stewart, Nicholas Sculthorpe, Rachel N. Lord, David L. Oxborough

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere14594
Pages (from-to)e14594
JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2024

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Exercise
  • Heart Ventricles - diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Soccer
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function, Left
  • cardiac adaptations
  • elite youth soccer
  • left ventricle

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