Echocardiography of the professional soccer player: Comparision between the decades 1980 and 2000

• Published in: Science & sports 2006-01, Vol.21 (1), p.13-19
• Main Authors: Labbe, L, Douard, H, Dubeau, S, Montero, C, Poignant, I, Broustet, J-P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0765-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2005.11.001

Aim. - The aim of this study was to compare two professionals soccer players groups evaluated by echocardiography in 1985-1987 and more recently in 2000-2005. Materials and method. - Past echocardiographic measurements of 21 soccer' players were reevaluated and compared to those of 58 players of actual decade. Results. - The modifications observed, taking account of morphologic evolution, state on significant increase of left ventricular size and especially left ventricular wall thickness. Conclusion. - These modifications, although significant are not as important as extensive alteration reported in others sport activities, probably because of purely physiologic adaptations.Original Abstract: Objectifs. - le but de ce travail est de comparer les donnees echocardiographiques de deux groupes de footballeurs professionnels a 15 ans d'intervalle. Methodologie. - Les enregistrements echocardiographiques de 21 joueurs evalues en 1985-1987 ont ete reevalues et compares a ceux de 58 joueurs des annees 2000-2005. Resultats. - Les modifications observees, en tenant compte des evolutions morphologiques, portent sur une dilatation cavitaire et surtout une hypertrophie parietale ventriculaire gauche. Conclusions. - Les modifications n'atteignent cependant pas les valeurs extremes rapportees dans d'autres activites sportives et sous-entendent une adaptation purement physiologique.