Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of training and echocardiographic
left ventricular indices with competitive results in distance running. Echocardiography
was performed on 53 male sub-elite runners. Training parameters and competitive results
in races from 800 m to marathon were also analysed. Simple correlation analysis revealed
a positive association between left ventricular mass or wall thickness and average
running speed in races of 1500 m, 3000 m, and 10 000 m (p < 0.05). Training volume
correlated with competitive results in distance running stronger and more consistently,
however, than did cardiac size parameters. Additionally, training volume correlated
positively with ventricular wall thickness and mass but not chamber size. Multiple
linear regression analysis supported training volume and left ventricular mass index
as independent predictors of distance running performance. Neither simple correlation
nor multiple regression analysis evidenced a positive association between ventricular
diameter or peak diastolic filling parameters and competitive results (p > 0.05).
Thus, the results of our study suggest that competitive results of sub-elite middle
and long distance runners are related stronger to training volume than echocardiographic
data, and that left ventricular muscle mass but not chamber size correlates positively
with average running velocity during distance races.
Key words
athletes - hypertrophy - left ventricle - training volume
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PhD Tomas Venckunas
Department of Applied Physiology and Health Education
Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education
44221 Kaunas
Lithuania
Fax: + 37 037 20 45 15
Email: t.venckunas@lkka.ltt.venckunas@gmail.com
