Time and frequency-domain characterization of the left ventricle torsion pattern of professional soccer players using speckle-tracking echocardiography

The left ventricle (LV) torsion is an important feature of the ventricle’s biomechanics. Using speckle-tracking echography (STE) the assessment of LV torsion dynamics would be more available in clinical and research cardiology Particular features of the LV torsion have been described during exercise and in some sportsmen, but up to now the LV torsion dynamics has not been studied in soccer players. The aims were to characterize the LV systolic and diastolic torsion dynamic in professional soccer players using STE, and to analyze the main differences in torsion dynamics between soccer players and age-matched non-trained individuals. To this end the LV apical and basal rotation were quantified, and the systolic and diastolic torsion dynamic was characterized using a time and frequency-domain approach. The STE allowed characterizing the LV torsion level in both groups. The LV torsion level was lesser in soccer players than in non-trained individuals. Soccer players showed lesser amplitudes in the low frequency components of the LV torsion Fourier spectrum.