A New research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology has indicated the double benefits of exercise for both the body and heart.
A New research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology has indicated the double benefits of exercise for both the body and heart. Depending upon the type and extent of exercise, the muscles of the heart and body get toned, the study says.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital studied the heart of endurance athletes for whom exercise had led to the increase of both the left and right ventricles. On the contrary, those who engaged in strength training exercise showed growth only in the left ventricle.Dr. Aaron L. Baggish of Mass General and colleagues conducted a study of 40 endurance athletes among who were long distance rowers of both sexes, and 24 male footballers.
The endurance athletes portrayed significant relaxation and contraction in the lower chambers of the heart, which were enlarged. In contrast, the strength-trained athletes portrayed extreme muscle growth only in the left ventricle.
The findings challenge the popular belief that those born with an enlarged heart could be the best athletes. Instead it is the exercise and training that is responsible for the growth of the heart muscle, leading to the making of an ‘athlete’s heart’ and not the other way around.
Source-Medindia
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