Yakubbekov N. T. (1), Arslonov S.F. (2)
Combat sports (boxing, wrestling, taekwondo) induce marked cardiac adaptations; however, their reversibility with reduced training intensity remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in echocardiographic parameters among elite combat athletes during the period 2022–2025. The study included 125 athletes (boxing: n = 50, wrestling: n = 54, taekwondo: n = 21). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 2022 (high-intensity training phase) and in 2025 (routine training phase). The following parameters were assessed: left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM), LVMM index (LVMMI), end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and peak diastolic filling velocities (E, A). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05).
All groups demonstrated regression of cardiac hypertrophy (LVMM: −15.5%, LVMMI: −15.3%) and chamber volumes (EDV: −14.9%, SV: −17.8%) (p < 0.05). The most pronounced changes were observed in taekwondo athletes (LVMM: −18.5%, LVMMI: −18.4%), and the least in wrestlers (LVMM: −10.5%). Diastolic function decreased significantly (E: −22.2%, A: −32.9%). EF declined slightly (−2.3%) but remained within normal limits (> 60%).
Reduced training intensity leads to regression of cardiac adaptations in combat athletes, with distinct sport-specific differences. The findings emphasize the importance of regular echocardiographic monitoring to optimize cardiovascular health in athletes.
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