Abstract

Background: Variations in the hemodynamic demands of specific training modalities may explain characteristic differences in cardiac structure and function amongst athletes. However, current consensus regarding these adaptations in highly resistance-trained athletes is yet to be established. Objective: To collate research investigating cardiac structure and function in resistance-trained athletes, exploring the defining characteristics of Athlete’s Heart within these individuals. Design: Systematic selection and quality appraisal of articles was performed by two reviewers. A random effects meta-analysis model was applied to suitable studies. Data sources: Seven electronic databases were searched. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Studies which examined at least one measure of cardiac structure or function, included healthy, normotensive male or females (>18 years); and compared athletes engaged in a resistance training program (>12 months) to an untrained group engaged in no structured training program were included. Studies were limited to peer-reviewed articles and in English. Results: Resistance-trained athletes (n=949) demonstrated greater cardiac dimensions compared to their untrained counterparts. No clear impairments to systolic or diastolic cardiac function were observed in athletic population studied here. Summary/Conclusion: Resistance-trained athletes display some characteristics of the Athletes Heart phenomenon including greater wall thickening and chamber dilation compared to their untrained counterparts.