Abstract des Autors

Cardiac dimensions, body composition, pulmonary function and exercise capacity were examined in 59 prepubertal girls aged 7 to 11 years before and after one year of participation in competitive swimming (Group S), gymnastics (Group G) or spontaneous play (control, Group C). No significant differences were noted between groups before or after the training period in left ventricular end-diastolic or end-systolic diameters, left ventricular diameter, interventricular septal thickness, left posterior wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic volume or left ventricular mass, as measured by echocardiography. After a year of training, power output was approximately by 20 W greater in Groups G and S than in C (P<0.05). Mean(+/-SD) maximal oxygen uptake in Groups G, S and C was 50.3+/-6.3, 48.3+/-7.9 and 42.9+/-5.6 ml/kg/min, respectively. Five of 8 skinfold thickness values were lower in Group G than in S or C. Pulmonary function tests were similar for all groups. This study suggests that participation in competitive swimming or gymnastics can improve physical fitness in prepubertal girls but has little influence on cardiac dimensions. The findings may be attributed to a sub-threshold training intensity in Groups S and G, a relatively high exercise intensity of children during spontaneous play in C, or a resistance to cardiac plasticity in prepubertal children. Verf.-Referat