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Abstract <p>While elite soccer cultivates concurrent cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations, the functional interplay between exercise-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and explosive power remains underexplored.</p> Purpose <p>The purpose of the study was to determine if left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a primary marker of cardiac adaptation, is associated with explosive power assessed via a repetitive vertical jump test (RVJT).</p> Methods <p>Nineteen elite male soccer players underwent 2D echocardiography for LVMI and a 15-repetition RVJT on a force plate for maximum jump height (h<sub>MAX</sub>). The relationship was tested using hierarchical regression (controlling for body mass and experience), Bayesian analysis, and group comparisons based on the clinical LVH threshold (≥ 115&#xa0;g/m<sup>2</sup>).</p> Results <p>An inverse LVMI–h<sub>MAX</sub> relationship was observed (<i>r</i> =  − 0.53, <i>p</i> = 0.02). In the adjusted model, LVMI showed <i>B</i> =  − 0.00123&#xa0;m per g·m⁻<sup>2</sup> (SE 0.00046; 95% CI [− 0.00220 to − 0.00026]; standardized <i>β</i> =  − 0.63; <i>p</i> = 0.02); after Benjamini–Hochberg correction across five RVJT outcomes, <i>q</i> = 0.10. Athletes with high LVMI exhibited 17% lower h<sub>MAX</sub> than their normal-LVMI counterparts (0.29 ± 0.04 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04&#xa0;m; <i>p</i> = 0.003, Hedges’ <i>g</i> =  − 1.51), with moderate Bayesian support (<i>BF</i><sub>10</sub> = 3.47). Other RVJT parameters were unaffected.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings are preliminary and hypothesis generating, consistent with a potential trade-off between cardiac remodeling and maximal explosive performance in elite male soccer. Greater cardiac mass is associated with attenuated explosive power capacity, a functional “cardio-neuromuscular paradox.” The RVJT may serve as a practical tool to monitor this systemic balance and inform training adjustments to preserve power in athletes with pronounced cardiac remodeling.</p>

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Stronger hearts, weaker leaps? The cardiac power paradox in elite soccer

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月18日

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  • Zacharias Papadakis,
  • Nikolaos Koutlianos,
  • Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos,
  • Evangelia Kouidi

摘要

Abstract

While elite soccer cultivates concurrent cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations, the functional interplay between exercise-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and explosive power remains underexplored.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine if left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a primary marker of cardiac adaptation, is associated with explosive power assessed via a repetitive vertical jump test (RVJT).

Methods

Nineteen elite male soccer players underwent 2D echocardiography for LVMI and a 15-repetition RVJT on a force plate for maximum jump height (hMAX). The relationship was tested using hierarchical regression (controlling for body mass and experience), Bayesian analysis, and group comparisons based on the clinical LVH threshold (≥ 115 g/m2).

Results

An inverse LVMI–hMAX relationship was observed (r =  − 0.53, p = 0.02). In the adjusted model, LVMI showed B =  − 0.00123 m per g·m⁻2 (SE 0.00046; 95% CI [− 0.00220 to − 0.00026]; standardized β =  − 0.63; p = 0.02); after Benjamini–Hochberg correction across five RVJT outcomes, q = 0.10. Athletes with high LVMI exhibited 17% lower hMAX than their normal-LVMI counterparts (0.29 ± 0.04 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04 m; p = 0.003, Hedges’ g =  − 1.51), with moderate Bayesian support (BF10 = 3.47). Other RVJT parameters were unaffected.

Conclusion

The findings are preliminary and hypothesis generating, consistent with a potential trade-off between cardiac remodeling and maximal explosive performance in elite male soccer. Greater cardiac mass is associated with attenuated explosive power capacity, a functional “cardio-neuromuscular paradox.” The RVJT may serve as a practical tool to monitor this systemic balance and inform training adjustments to preserve power in athletes with pronounced cardiac remodeling.