Key role of left ventricular untwisting in endurance cyclists at onset of exercise

Abstract

Our study assessed for the first time, to our knowledge, the kinetics of left ventricular function during the transition from rest to constant-load exercise in endurance-trained subjects. We observed a faster cardiac response in cyclists characterized by a faster response of cardiac output, left ventricular transmitral filling, basal rotation, and untwisting. This study highlighted the key role of left ventricular twisting mechanics in the more efficient acute cardiac response of endurance-trained athletes at onset of exercise.