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 editorsPentikäinen, 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 seriesJournal of Athletic Training

ISSN1062-6050

eISSN1938-162X

Publication year2021

Publication date05/11/2020

Volume56

Issue number5

Pages range484-490

PublisherNational Athletic Trainers Association

Publication countryUnited States

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4085/78-20

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel


Abstract

Context
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.


KeywordsECGblood pressureathletesendurance sports

Free keywordselectrocardiogram; blood pressure; pulse pressure; endurance athletes; non-endurance athletes


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Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2021

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-12-10 at 09:45