A systematic review of resting left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and adaptation in elite weightlifters

Abstract

BackgroundThis review aims to establish what effect weightlifting has on the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricular (LV).Sources of dataPubMed; ISI Web of Knowledge; Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline were searched in February 2012 to find literature on the effect of weightlifting on the LV cardiac function.Areas of agreementStroke volume, posterior wall thickness and ventricular filling time and rate were seen to increase. A decrease in the resting heart rate was seen.Areas of controversyBlood pressure and LV morphological changes were equivocal.Growing pointsWeightlifting causes recognizable functional change to the LV, some of these changes may confer benefits such as improvements in the systolic function.Areas timely for developing researchDiscrepancies exist with regard to regional LV morphological change, as the evidence suggests the LV does not adapt in a homogenous manner. Attempts should be made to separate performance-enhancing drug users from those who compete drug free. © 2012 The Author.