Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies

Background: The speckle tracking echocardiography is a powerful tool that is expanding knowledge on cardiovascular physiology. At present fitness is an increasing sport, and the bench press is a typical exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate by speckle tracking echocardiography the systolic and diastolic properties of the left ventricle during bench press.

Methods: Interventional study. We perform an echocardiogram before, during and immediately after a bench press. During the bench press we assessed the changes suffered in systolic and diastolic functions. Speckle tracking parameter and 3D volume were calculated for left ventricle.

Results: In the study were included 59 male athletes with mean age 34.28 ± 9.54 years. Left ventricle ejection fraction is increased by 2D and 3D echocardiography (0.58 ± 0.07 versus 0.62 ± 0.07, p=0.017). The strain, strain rate, and systolic and diastolic velocities of longitudinal left ventricular fibers (by Speckle Tracking) are higher during exercise [(Strain -21.1 ± 4.09 versus -27.28 ± 3.73, p<0.01) (Strain Rate -1.48 ± 0,30 versus -2.30 ± 0.57; p<0.0001]. The E/E' ratio was unchanged but improved diastolic function improve by Speckle Tracking echocardiography. After the exercise there was more left intraventricular synchrony. Strength training degree could be associated with compliance and synchrony of left ventricle.

Conclusion: During bench press a discrete increase in ejection fraction and large variations in myocardial deformation occurs. Diastolic function is unchanged by 2D echocardiography. Strength training degree could be associated with compliance and synchrony of left ventricle.

This study was designed to determine the level of oxidative stress using the level of circulating C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde and absolute lymphocyte counts in pre and post-acute exercise as studies have shown that acute exercise enhances the immunological responses of stressed individuals. Twenty five (25) healthy young male undergraduate students with an average age of 24.3 ± 3 years and body mass index of 22.7 ± 1.8 (kg/m2) participated fully in the study. The levels of malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein were significantly higher at one hour, four hours and twenty-four hour post exercise when compared with the pre-exercise stage whereas the absolute lymphocyte count and absolute neutrophils count were significantly higher at one hour and four hours post exercise when compared with the pre-exercise stage. Absolute lymphocyte count, absolute neutrophils count, Creactive protein and malondialdehyde concentrations are increased in acute exercise which is an indication of an acute phase responses during stressful events.