A1 Journal article (refereed)
Resting Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure in Young Endurance and Nonendurance Athletes and Nonathletes (2021)
Pentikäinen, H., Toivo, K., Kokko, S., Alanko, L., Heinonen, O. J., Korpelainen, R., Selänne, H., Vasankari, T., Kujala, U. M., Villberg, J., Parkkari, J., & Savonen, K. (2021). Resting Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure in Young Endurance and Nonendurance Athletes and Nonathletes. Journal of Athletic Training, 56(5), 484-490. https://doi.org/10.4085/78-20
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Pentikäinen, Heikki; Toivo, Kerttu; Kokko, Sami; Alanko, Lauri; Heinonen, Olli J; Korpelainen, Raija; Selänne, Harri; Vasankari, Tommi; Kujala, Urho M; Villberg, Jari; et al.
Journal or series: Journal of Athletic Training
ISSN: 1062-6050
eISSN: 1938-162X
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 05/11/2020
Volume: 56
Issue number: 5
Pages range: 484-490
Publisher: National Athletic Trainers Association
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4085/78-20
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Abstract
Much information is available on electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) changes in senior athletes. However, corresponding data on adolescent athletes are scarce.
Objective
To study the differences in resting ECG and BP values among adolescent endurance athletes, nonendurance athletes, and nonathletes.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Setting
A total of 154 youth sports clubs in Finland and 100 secondary schools for comparison data.
Patients or Other Participants
We recruited young athletes (n = 410) aged 14 to 16 years in 10 popular sport disciplines, including winter and summer as well as team and individual sports, and categorized them as endurance or nonendurance sports. Comparison data for age-matched, non–sports club participants (n = 164) were collected via secondary schools.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Resting ECG, including heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, QRS axis, QRS amplitude, T axis, and QT interval as well as systolic and diastolic BPs.
Results
No differences in any ECG variable of interest were found between the endurance and nonendurance athletes. The PR interval was longer in endurance athletes than in nonathletes (P = .05). The QRS amplitude (P = .03) was higher among nonendurance athletes than among nonathletes. Diastolic BP was lower among endurance (P = .002) and nonendurance (P = .02) athletes than among nonathletes. Endurance athletes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.81, 4.50) and nonendurance athletes (OR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.43, 3.35) were more likely to have sinus bradycardia than were nonathletes. Nonendurance athletes were more likely to have elevated systolic BP than were endurance athletes (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.72) and nonathletes (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.87).
Conclusions
Young athletes had similar ECG and BP findings independent of their sports. Physiological adaptations including sinus bradycardia, higher QRS amplitude, and lower diastolic BP, which are commonly seen in adult athletes, were also present in adolescent athletes.
Keywords: ECG; blood pressure; athletes; endurance sports
Free keywords: electrocardiogram; blood pressure; pulse pressure; endurance athletes; non-endurance athletes
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Diverging paths in physical activity and sports participation from adolescence to emerging adulthood: the Health Promoting Sports Club cohort study
- Kokko, Sami
- Ministry of Education and Culture
Related research datasets
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1