Abstract
Aim – To evaluate the left ventricular function of a group of cameroonian judokas as compared to matched controls.Patients and methods – Thirty judokas and 30 controls with a mean age of 19 years were examined. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were assessed using cardiac ultrasonography.Results – The septal and posterior wall thickness and the left ventricular mass were significantly greater in the judokas. Similar findings were seen in the telediastolic diameter of the left atrium, left ventricle and right ventricle. The shortening fraction as well as the ejection time, was reduced in the athletes. Concerning the mitral flow profile on pulsed waves Doppler, the ‘A’ wave (atrial contraction), the ‘E’ wave (protodiastolic flow) and its deceleration time and the E/A ratio did not differ in the two groups. The left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time was shorter in the judokas.Conclusion – This study suggests that judo is responsible for the development of left ventricular parietal hypertrophy as well as dilatation of the left cavities. Moreover, the functional parameters studied remained normal. This confirms that these morphological modifications are an adaptation required in this type of sportsmen who are submitted both to isotonic and isometric work.
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