AIM: Aerobic training has been reported to have a positive effect on myocardial performance index. The aim of the present study was to examine the myocardial performance index (MPI) in sprinters and endurance athletes. METHODS: A total of 66 elite male athletes (36 sprinter and 30 endurance athletes) and 33 agematched sedentary controls voluntarily participated in the study. The echocardiographic evaluation was performed and TEI index was measured as a marker of myocardial performance index in all groups. RESULTS: Demographic features, training ages and weekly exercise volumes were similar in sprinters and endurance athletes. There were no significant differences in terms of diastolic parameters and among the groups. In sprinters, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) were significantly shorter than in controls. In endurance athletes, IVCT was significantly shorter than in controls. Both sprinters and endurance athletes had longer ET compared with controls. TEI Index was significantly lower in sprinters and endurance athletes than in controls. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that both aerobic and anaerobic training seem to have a positive effect on myocardial performance. This comparable effect might be a result of frequently exercising, especially aerobic exercising in sprinters' training programs.
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