The effect of varying intensities of lower limb eccentric muscle contractions on left ventricular function

Luke A. Howlett*, Kyle O'Sullivan, Nicholas Sculthorpe, Joanna Richards

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
67 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose 
The effect of eccentric (ECC) resistance exercise (RE) on myocardial mechanics is currently unknown. 

Method 
This study investigated ECC RE at varying intensities on left ventricular (LV) function using LV strain (epsilon), wall stress and haemodynamic parameters. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers completed ECC leg extensions at 20%, 50% and 80% of their ECC maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), whilst receiving echocardiograms. Global longitudinal e, strain rate (SR), longitudinal tissue velocity, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), LV wall stress and rate pressure product (RPP) were assessed at baseline and during exercise. 

Results 
Left ventricular global e, systolic SR and wall stress remained unchanged throughout. Systolic blood pressure (sBP), MAP and RPP increased at 80% and 50% intensities compared to rest (P < 0.01). Eccentric RE increased HR and peak late diastolic SR at all intensities compared to rest (P < 0.02). 

Conclusion 
The findings suggest acute ECC RE may not alter main parameters of LV function, supporting future potential for wider clinical use. However, future studies must investigate the impact of multiple repetitions and training on LV function.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-548
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume120
Early online date16 Jan 2020
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 16 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • eccentric exercise
  • left ventricle
  • cardiovascular
  • wall stress
  • longitudinal strain

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