15 weeks of soccer training increases left ventricular mass and improves indices of left ventricular diastolic function in previously sedentary, mildly hypertensive, middle‑aged women

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of soccer training on cardiac adaptations in mildly hypertensive middle-aged women.
Methods Hypertensive premenopausal women (n = 41; age (mean ± SD): 44 ± 7 years; height: 166 ± 6 cm; weight:
78.6 ± 11.6 kg; body fat: 43.3 ± 5.2%) were randomized to soccer training (SOC, n = 21) or control (CON, n = 20). SOC
performed three weekly training sessions for 15 weeks, whereas CON had no training or lifestyle changes during the same
period. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography pre-intervention and post-intervention.
Results Soccer training increased (P= 0.001) left ventricular mass index by 10% [95% CI 4; 15], while no changes occurred
in CON (time × group interaction, P = 0.005). In addition, only SOC demonstrated a within-group increase (P = 0.01) of 8%
[95% CI 2; 14] in left ventricular septum diameter. For markers of right ventricular remodelling, a within-group increase
(P=0.02) occurred for tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion of 8% [95% CI 1; 14] in SOC only. Left atrial diameter index
increased (P < 0.001) by 6% [95% CI 3; 10] after SOC, while it was unaffected in CON (time × group interaction, P = 0.02).
For makers of diastolic function, SOC demonstrated a within-group increase (P = 0.02) in the average early diastolic mitral
annulus velocity of 10% [95% CI 2; 19]. In addition, a reduction (P < 0.001) in mitral valve A velocity of − 19% [95% CI
− 29; − 10] was observed following soccer training, which manifested in increased (P<0.001) mitral valve E/A ratio of 34%
[95% CI 16; 53] in SOC. No within-group changes were apparent in CON.
Conclusion In sedentary, mildly hypertensive, middle-aged women, 15 weeks of soccer training increases left ventricular
mass and left atrial diameter and improves indices of left ventricular diastolic function