Two-dimensional strain echocardiography technology for evaluation of myocardial strain in swimming athletes after high-intensity exercise.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the change in myocardial strain in swimming athletes before and after high-intensity exercise using two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) technology.

METHODS: To assess whether the local and overall myocardial function and myocardial injury are accurately measured using 2DSE technology, 15 swimming athletes were selected as research objects. We applied 2DSE technology to track the 2D ultrasound images of the apical four chambers, the apical two chambers, and the apical long axis before and after high-intensity, increasing-load exercise. We recorded indices such as the left ventricular global strain (GS) and the left ventricular segmental wall longitudinal peak systolic strain (PS) in 18 systoles and analyzed the myocardial strain change before and after exercise.

RESULTS: After high-intensity exercise, the overall myocardial strain decreased, especially the strain of the posterior wall, posterior divider, lateral wall, lower wall, and the basal and middle segments of the anterior wall. The influence of exercise on myocardial strain was greater on the basal and middle segments than on the apical segment. One-time intensive exercise negatively affected the myocardial muscle.

CONCLUSION: Myocardial muscles in the apical segment and the myocardial wall were more sensitive to intensive exercise. The 2DSE technology can precisely position the motion-sensitive areas and help locate myocardial injury.