AIMS: Assessment of the left ventricular responses to prolonged exercise has been limited by technology available to assess cardiac tissue movement. Recently developed strain and strain rate imaging provide the unique opportunity to assess tissue deformation in all planes of motion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nineteen runners (mean+/-SD age; 41+/-9 years) were assessed prior to and within 60 min (34+/-10 min) of race finish (Comrades Marathon, 89 km). Standard echocardiography assessed ejection fraction and the ratio of early to atrial (E/A) peak transmitral blood flow velocities. Myocardial speckle tracking determined segmental strain as well as systolic and diastolic strain rates in radial, circumferential, and longitudinal planes. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assessed cardiomyocyte insult. Ejection fraction (71+/-5 to 64+/-6%) and E/A (1.47+/-0.35 to 1.25+/-0.30) were reduced (P<0.05). Peak strain and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates were altered post-race in circumferential (e.g. peak strain reduced from 21.3+/-2.4 to 17.3+/-3.2%, P<0.05) and radial planes. Some individual heterogeneity was observed between segments and planes of motion. A post-race elevation in cTnT (range 0.013-0.272 microg/L) in 5/12 runners did not differentiate changes in LV function. CONCLUSION: Completion of the Comrades Marathon resulted in a depression in ejection fraction, E/A, as well as radial and circumferential strain and strain rates. Group data, however, masked some heterogeneity in cardiac function.
AIMS: Assessment of the left ventricular responses to prolonged exercise has been limited by technology available to assess cardiac tissue movement. Recently developed strain and strain rate imaging provide the unique opportunity to assess tissue deformation in all planes of motion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nineteen runners (mean+/-SD age; 41+/-9 years) were assessed prior to and within 60 min (34+/-10 min) of race finish (Comrades Marathon, 89 km). Standard echocardiography assessed ejection fraction and the ratio of early to atrial (E/A) peak transmitral blood flow velocities. Myocardial speckle tracking determined segmental strain as well as systolic and diastolic strain rates in radial, circumferential, and longitudinal planes. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assessed cardiomyocyte insult. Ejection fraction (71+/-5 to 64+/-6%) and E/A (1.47+/-0.35 to 1.25+/-0.30) were reduced (P<0.05). Peak strain and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates were altered post-race in circumferential (e.g. peak strain reduced from 21.3+/-2.4 to 17.3+/-3.2%, P<0.05) and radial planes. Some individual heterogeneity was observed between segments and planes of motion. A post-race elevation in cTnT (range 0.013-0.272 microg/L) in 5/12 runners did not differentiate changes in LV function. CONCLUSION: Completion of the Comrades Marathon resulted in a depression in ejection fraction, E/A, as well as radial and circumferential strain and strain rates. Group data, however, masked some heterogeneity in cardiac function.
Authors: Christopher John Boos; Adrian Mellor; Joe Begley; Michael Stacey; Chris Smith; Amanda Hawkins; David Richard Woods Journal: Clin Res Cardiol Date: 2013-12-21 Impact factor: 5.460
Authors: Keith P George; Louise H Naylor; Greg P Whyte; Rob E Shave; David Oxborough; Daniel J Green Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2009-10-02 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Fang Chan-Dewar; David Oxborough; Rob Shave; Warren Gregson; Greg Whyte; Tim Noakes; Keith George Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2009-10-30 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Rachel Lord; John Somauroo; Mike Stembridge; Nikhil Jain; Martin D Hoffman; Keith George; Helen Jones; Rob Shave; Francois Haddad; Euan Ashley; David Oxborough Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2014-09-10 Impact factor: 3.078