Assessment of electrophysiological changes in the heart by analysing resting electrocardiografic recording and comparison with Seattle criteria in trained male 14-19 years aged volleyball players

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular arrest among athletes is prevalent in today's competitive world. As a result, a thorough and routine assessment is advised. The Seattle Criteria are one of the most widely accepted standards in the electrophysiological diagnosis and can reveal possible aberrant findings based on ECG values. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the heart's electrophysiological adaptations in trained male volleyball players. This comparison study used the Seattle Criteria to evaluate whether training has a beneficial or negative impact on the heart. Material and methods: In this study, 41 trained male volleyball players aged 14 to 19 were divided into three groups (14–15, 16–17, and 18–19). Each player's resting ECG was recorded and compared to the Seattle criteria. The Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA was used, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for significant outcomes. Results: The Q-T interval differed significantly between the three groups (p < 0.05). In Groups 2 and 3, ST depression was identified using ECG 23% and 8% of the time, respectively. In Groups 1, 2, and 3, ST elevation was detected in 60%, 62%, and 83% of ECGs, respectively. Group 1 had much longer ventricular depolarization and repolarization times. Sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, and early repolarization (ST elevation) are considered normal ECG findings in athletes, while a ST-segment depression (0.5 mm) is abnormal. Conclusions: It can be inferred that the adaptive aspects of the electrophysiological alterations in the heart as a result of training may help justify the effective workload and prevent cardiac failure in athletes.