Speckle tracking echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in young elite rugby players.

International audienceLittle evidence exists in the literature on the effects of mixed-type training on the left ventricle (LV). This study focused on the effects of training on the morphological and functional characteristics of the left ventricle. This study investigated the effects of training on LV function using Speckle Tracking Imaging (STI) in high-level, young rugby players. Prospective and longitudinal cohort study. CA Brive Correze Limousin rugby club (France) and JA Isle rugby club (France). Ten young controls and 24 young rugby players (13 high-level rugby players; 11 amateur rugby players) were included in the study. Standard Tissue Doppler Imaging Echocardiography and STI were performed in this study before and after the season. LV mass and pulsed wave Doppler inflow recording of the LV, including early and atrial waves, were carried out in 2-3-4 chamber views. We assessed three normal strains, rotation, and torsion in the LV. The main results of this study demonstrated that no differences existed between the three groups in LV functional parameters, the longitudinal circumferential and radial strain indices, and rotation and torsion indices. In the professional group, a significantly higher end- diastolic diameter (p<0.001), septal (p<0.05) and posterior (p<0.01) wall thickness, and LV mass (p