Effect of exercise on left atrial mechanical functions in professional wrestlers

Background: The adaptation of the cardiovascular system to exercise differs according to the type of sport. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of regular exercise on left atrial (LA) mechanical functions in professional wrestlers at internationally competitive level versus controls. Methods: Twenty professional male wrestlers (mean age, 21.90 + 2.49 years) and twenty male controls (mean age, 22.3 + 1.49 years) participated in this study. Echocardiographic assessments were performed using the criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. The following LA volumes (LAVs) were measured: maximal volume (V max), minimal volume (V min), and LAV before atrial contraction (V preA) at the onset of the pulsed wave of the simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram. LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LA expansion index (LAEI), LA active emptying volume index (LAAEVI) and fraction (LAAEFr), and LA passive emptying volume index (LAPEVI) and fraction (LAPEFr) were calculated. Results: Body mass index and LA diameter were statistically significantly higher in the wrestlers' group (P < 0.05). Other baseline characteristics, demographics, and echocardiographic parameters did not show any statistically significant difference between the groups. With regard to LAVs, V min index and V preA index were lower in wrestlers (P < 0.05), whereas LAEF, LAPEVI, and LAPEFr were higher in wrestlers' groups (P < 0.05). LAEI, LAAEVI, and LAAEFr were higher in wrestlers but were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Wrestling may be associated with morphologic alterations in LA mechanical functions. Deterioration in the mechanical function of the LA can be detected even earlier, especially if the volume is preserved in the early period.