Longitudinal Analysis of Right Ventricular Remodeling in Response to Prolonged Strength Training Using 3D-echocardiography

Longitudinal Analysis of Right Ventricular Remodeling in Response to Prolonged Strength Training Using 3D-echocardiography

Right ventricular (RV) physiological remodeling in response to prolonged strength exercise remains poorly studied. This prospective, non-randomized, single-center study, proposes to follow 24 healthy sedentary volunteers who will benefit from a high-intensity pure resistance training program over a 6-month period. The volunteers, aged between 18 and 40 years old and male, will be recruited and evaluated at the University Hospital center of Caen Normandy. Cardiac remodeling in response to physical exercise will be analyzed by trans-thoracic echocardiography repeated during the follow-up. The physical impact of the training program will be assessed by a treadmill exercise test predicting maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) before and after completing the training, and an isokinetic muscular test repeated every 3 months. Participants rest/activity cycles will be monitor before and after 3 months of training. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the existence of a physiologic RV remodeling in response to pure high-load resistance chronic exercise. The results will help to improve the understanding of the physiological RV response expected in strength athletes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 40 years
• Male gender
• Agree to participate in the study (signature of consent).
• Affiliated to an insurance scheme or beneficiary

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female gender
• Inability to express consent
• Moderate physical activity over than 150 minutes or intensive physical activity over than 75 minutes per week on a regular basis for more than 6 consecutive months, according to the World Health Organisation criteria.
• Participation in competitive sports of ≥ II and / or B according to Mitchell's classification in the last 3 years.
• Ischemic and non-ischemic heart diseases
• Family history of unexplained sudden death
• Personal or family history of elastic tissue disease (Marfan syndrome and related)
• Chronic diseases incompatible with physical exercise at high intensity
• Personal history of chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy
• ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factors
• use of doping substances
• Body mass index > 30 kg/m²
• Inclusion in another biomedical research protocol (during the present study or within 6 months before inclusion).