Lars Juel Andersen

Soccer Improves Fitness and Attenuates Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hypertensive Men

INTRODUCTION The present study investigated the fitness and health effects of medium-term soccer training for untrained hypertensive middle-age men. METHODS Thirty-three untrained males (31-54 yr) with mild-to-moderate hypertension were randomized 2:1 to a soccer training group (STG, two 1-h sessions per week, n = 22, 68% on medication) and a doctor advice group receiving traditional physician-guided recommendations on cardiovascular risk factor modification (DAG, n = 11, 73% on medication). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA time-group statistics was applied. RESULTS During soccer training, average HR was 155 ± 9 bpm or 85% ± 7% HRmax. In STG, systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased (P < 0.01) over 6 months from 151 ± 10 to 139 ± 10 mm Hg and from 92 ± 7 to 84 ± 6 mm Hg, respectively, with smaller (P < 0.05) decreases in DAG (from 153 ± 8 to 145 ± 8 mm Hg and from 96 ± 6 to 93 ± 6 mm Hg, respectively). In STG, V˙O2max increased (P < 0.01) from 32.6 ± 4.9 to 35.4 ± 6.6 mL·min-1·kg-1 and relative V˙O2 during cycling at 100 W was lowered (P < 0.05) from 55% ± 7% to 50% ± 8% V˙O2max over 6 months, with no changes in DAG. In STG, resting HR was lowered by 8 ± 11 bpm (P < 0.05), and the augmentation index (a measure of arterial stiffness) was lowered (P < 0.05) by 7.3 ± 14.0 over 6 months, with no change in DAG. CONCLUSIONS Six months of soccer training improved aerobic fitness, reduced blood pressure, and resulted in an array of other favorable effects on cardiovascular risk profile for untrained middle-age hypertensive men. Soccer training, therefore, may be a better nonpharmacological treatment for hypertensive men than traditional physician-guided advice.

Long-term musculoskeletal and cardiac health effects of recreational football and running for premenopausal women.

We examined long‐term musculoskeletal and cardiac adaptations elicited by recreational football (FG, n=9) and running (RG, n=10) in untrained premenopausal women in comparison with a control group (CG, n=9). Training was performed for 16 months (∼2 weekly 1‐h sessions). For FG, right and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameters were increased by 24% and 5% (P<0.05), respectively, after 16 months. Right ventricular systolic function measured by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) increased (P<0.05) in FG after 4 months and further (P<0.05) after 16 months (15% and 32%, respectively). In RG and CG, cardiac structure, E/A and TAPSE remained unchanged. For FG, whole‐body bone mineral density (BMD) was 2.3% and 1.3% higher (P<0.05) after 16 months, than after 4 and 0 months, respectively, with no changes for RG and CG. FG demonstrated substantial improvements (P<0.05) in fast (27% and 16%) and slow (16% and 17%) eccentric muscle strength and rapid force capacity (Imp30ms: 66% and 65%) after 16 months compared with 4 and 0 months, with RG improving Imp30ms by 64% and 46%. In conclusion, long‐term recreational football improved muscle function, postural balance and BMD in adult women with a potential favorable influence on the risk of falls and fractures. Moreover, football training induced consistent cardiac adaptations, which may have implications for long‐term cardiovascular health.

Beneficial effects of recreational football on the cardiovascular risk profile in untrained premenopausal women.

The present study examined the cardiovascular health effects of 16 weeks of recreational football training in untrained premenopausal women in comparison with continuous running training. Fifty healthy women were matched and randomized to a football (FG, n=25) or a running (RG, n=25) group and compared with a control group with no physical training (CO, n=15). Training was performed for 1 h twice a week. After 16 weeks, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced (P<0.05) in FG (7±2 and 4±1 mmHg) and systolic blood pressure was lowered (P<0.05) in RG (6±2 mmHg). After 16 weeks, resting heart rate was lowered (P<0.05) by 5±1 bpm both in FG and RG, and maximal oxygen uptake was elevated (P<0.05) by 15% in FG and by 10% in RG (5.0±0.7 and 3.6±0.6 mL/min/kg, respectively). Total fat mass decreased (P<0.05) by 1.4±0.3 kg in FG and by 1.1±0.3 kg in RG. After 16 weeks, pulse pressure wave augmentation index (−0.9±2.5 vs 4.2±2.4%), skeletal muscle capillarization (2.44±0.15 vs 2.07±0.05 cap/fib) and low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio were improved (P<0.05) in FG, but not altered in RG. No changes were observed in CO. In conclusion, regular recreational football training has significant favorable effects on the cardiovascular risk profile in untrained premenopausal women and is at the least as efficient as continuous running.

Osmoregulatory control of renal sodium excretion after sodium loading in humans

The hypothesis that renal sodium handling is controlled by changes in plasma sodium concentration was tested in seated volunteers. A standard salt load (3.08 mmol/kg body wt over 120 min) was administered as 0.9% saline (Isot) or as 5% saline (Hypr) after 4 days of constant sodium intake of 75 (LoNa+) or 300 mmol/day (HiNa+). Hypr increased plasma sodium by ∼4 mmol/l but increased plasma volume and central venous pressure significantly less than Isot irrespective of diet. After LoNa+, Hypr induced a smaller increase in sodium excretion than Isot (48 ± 8 vs. 110 ± 17 μmol/min). However, after HiNa+the corresponding natriureses were identical (135 ± 33 vs. 139 ± 39 μmol/min), despite significant difference between the increases in central venous pressure. Decreases in plasma ANG II concentrations of 23-52% were inversely related to sodium excretion. Mean arterial pressure, plasma oxytocin and atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, and urinary excretion rates of endothelin-1 and urodilatin remained unchanged. The results indicate that an increase in plasma sodium may contribute to the natriuresis of salt loading when salt intake is high, supporting the hypothesis that osmostimulated natriuresis is dependent on sodium balance in normal seated humans.

Football as a treatment for hypertension in untrained 30-55-year-old men: a prospective randomized study

The present study investigated whether football has favorable effects in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate arterial hypertension in untrained middle‐aged men. Twenty‐five untrained males aged 31–54 year with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension were randomized to a football training group (FTG, two 1‐h sessions per week) and a control group receiving physician‐guided traditional recommendations on cardiovascular risk factor modification (doctoral advice group, DAG). After 3 months, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were lowered (P<0.05) by 12 ± 3 and 7 ± 1 mmHg in FTG, respectively, whereas no significant changes were observed for DAG, with the 3 months values being lower (P<0.05) in FTG than DAG (SBP: 138 ± 2 vs 148 ± 2 mmHg; DBP: 84 ± 2 vs 92 ± 2 mmHg). The resting heart rate was lowered (P<0.05) by 12 ± 2 b.p.m. in FTG after 3 months (67 ± 3 vs 79 ± 3 b.p.m.), whereas no change was observed for DAG. After 3 months, FTG had higher (P<0.05) VO2max (8 ± 2%; 35.0 ± 1.6 vs 32.5 ± 1.3 mL/min/kg) and lower (P<0.05) fat mass (1.7 ± 0.6 kg), whereas no change was observed for DAG. In conclusion, football training is an attractive non‐pharmacological supplement to the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate arterial hypertension in untrained middle‐aged men.

Improvement of systolic and diastolic heart function after physical training in sedentary women

The present study examined the cardiac effects of football training and running for inactive pre‐menopausal women by standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Thirty‐seven subjects were randomized to two training groups (football: FG; n=19; running; RG; n=18) training 1 h with equal average heart rates twice a week for 16 weeks and compared with a matched inactive control group (CG; n=10). During the training period, left ventricular end‐diastolic volume increased by 13% in FG and 11% in RG (P<0.05). Left ventricular posterior wall thickness increased in FG from 8.5±1.4 to 9.0±1.3 mm (P<0.05). Right ventricle diameter increased by 12% in FG and 10% in RG (P<0.05). Tissue Doppler imaging demonstrated increased left ventricular systolic and diastolic performances in both training groups. Peak systolic velocity increased by 26% in FG and 17% in RG (P<0.05) and left ventricular longitudinal displacement increased in both groups by 13% (P<0.05). Isovolumetric relaxation time decreased significantly more in FG than in RG (26% vs 14%, respectively P<0.05). In conclusion, 16 weeks of football and running exercise training induced significant changes of cardiac dimensions and had favorable effects on both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. These training‐induced cardiac adaptations appeared to be more consistent after football training compared with running.

Cardiovascular effects of 3 months of football training in overweight children examined by comprehensive echocardiography: a pilot study

Abstract We examined effects of a 3-month football training programme in overweight children using comprehensive echocardiography and peripheral arterial tonometry. Twenty preadolescent overweight children (17 boys, 3 girls aged 8–12 yrs; body mass index [BMI] ≥ 85th percentile) participated in a structured 3-month football training programme, consisting of 4 weekly 60–90 min sessions with mean heart rate (HR) > 80% of HRmax (football group, FG). A parallel control group (CG) included 11 children (7 boys, 4 girls) of equivalent age from an obesity clinic. After 3 months, systolic blood pressure was unchanged in FG, but had increased in CG (112 [s 6] vs. 122 [10] mmHg, P = 0.02). FG demonstrated increased left ventricular (LV) posterior wall diameter (0.60 [0.07] vs. 0.68 [0.10] cm, P < 0.001) and an improved right ventricular systolic function determined by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, 2.01 [0.29] vs. 2.27 [0.28] cm, P = 0.003). Measures of LV systolic function showed only discrete alterations and two-dimensional (2D) global strain was not changed. After 3 months, global isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTglobal) had increased in FG (64.0 [7.5] vs. 73.9 [9.4] ms, P < 0.001) while other examined LV diastolic function variables were not altered. No echocardiographic changes were observed in CG. Between-group differences in pre-post delta values were observed for systolic blood pressure, TAPSE, and IVRTglobal (P = 0.02–0.03). We conclude that short-term football training may have positive structural and functional effects on the cardiovascular system in overweight preadolescent children.

Structural and functional cardiac adaptations to 6 months of football training in untrained hypertensive men

We investigated the effects of 3 and 6 months of regular football training on cardiac structure and function in hypertensive men. Thirty‐one untrained males with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension were randomized 2:1 to a football training group (n = 20) and a control group receiving traditional recommendations on healthy lifestyle (n = 11). Cardiac measures were evaluated by echocardiography. The football group exhibited significant (P < 0.05) changes in cardiac dimensions and function after just 3 months: Left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic volume increased from 104 ± 25 to 117 ± 29 mL. LV diastolic function improved measured as E/A ratio (1.15 ± 0.32 to 1.54 ± 0.38), early diastolic velocity, E′ (11.0 ± 2.5 to 11.9 ± 2.6 cm/s), and isovolumetric relaxation time (74 ± 13 to 62 ± 13 ms). LV systolic function improved measured as longitudinal displacement (10.7 ± 2.1 to 12.1 ± 2.3 mm). Right ventricular function improved with respect to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (21.8 ± 3.2 to 24.5 ± 3.7 mm). Arterial blood pressure decreased in both groups, but significantly more in the football training group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, short‐term football training improves LV diastolic function in untrained men with mild‐to‐moderate arterial hypertension. Furthermore, it may improve longitudinal systolic function of both ventricles. The results suggest that football training has favorable effects on cardiac function in hypertensive men.

Cardiovascular function is better in veteran football players than age‐matched untrained elderly healthy men

The aim of the study was to determine whether lifelong football training may improve cardiovascular function, physical fitness, and body composition. Our subjects were 17 male veteran football players (VPG; 68.1 ± 2.1 years) and 26 healthy age‐matched untrained men who served as a control group (CG; 68.2 ± 3.2 years). Examinations included measurements of cardiac function, microvascular endothelial function [reactive hyperemic index (RHI)], maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and body composition. In VPG, left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic volume was 20% larger (P < 0.01) and LV ejection fraction was higher (P < 0.001). Tissue Doppler imaging revealed an augmented LV longitudinal displacement, i.e., LV shortening of 21% (P < 0.001) and longitudinal 2D strain was 12% higher (P < 0.05), in VPG. In VPG, resting heart rate was lower (6 bpm, P < 0.05), and VO2max was higher (18%, P < 0.05). In addition, RHI was 21% higher (P < 0.05) in VPG. VPG also had lower body mass index (P < 0.05), body fat percentage, total body fat mass, android fat percentage, and gynoid fat percentage (all P < 0.01). Lifelong participation in football training is associated with better LV systolic function, physical fitness, microvascular function, and a healthier body composition. Overall, VPG have better cardiovascular function compared with CG, which may reduce their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Cardiovascular health profile of elite female football players compared to untrained controls before and after short-term football training

Abstract This study examined the intermittent exercise performance and cardiovascular health profile in elite female football players in comparison to untrained young women, as well as a subgroup subjected to football training 2x1 h · week−1 for 16 weeks. Twenty-seven Danish national team players (elite trained, ET) and 28 untrained women (UT) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-scanning (DXA), comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, treadmill and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 (IE2) testing. Eight women in UT were also tested after the football training period. Maximal oxygen uptake rate (VO2max), peak ventilation and peak lactate were 40, 18 and 51% higher (P< 0.01) in ET than UT, respectively. Cardiac dimensions and function were greater in ET than UT, with left ventricular diastolic diameter, right ventricular diastolic diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak transmitral flow in early diastole divided by peak transmitral flow velocity in late diastole during atrial contraction (E/A-ratio) being 13, 19, 27 and 41%, respectively, greater in ET than UT (P< 0.001 to< 0.05). Yo-Yo IE2 performance was 7-fold higher in ET than UT (1772 ± 508 vs. 234 ± 66 m, P< 0.001), fat mass was 51% lower (P< 0.001) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 20% higher (P< 0.01). Sixteen weeks of football elevated VO2max and Yo-Yo IE2 performance by 16 and 40%, respectively, and lowered fat mass by 6%. Cardiac function was markedly improved by 16 weeks of football training with 26 and 46% increases in TAPSE and E/A ratio, respectively, reaching levels comparable to ET. In summary, elite female football players have a superior cardiovascular health profile and intermittent exercise performance compared to untrained controls, but short-term football training can markedly improve the cardiovascular health status.