Abstract:
Regular aerobic exercise workout causes structural and functional changes in the heart,
especially within the myocardial function of the left ventricular. The aim of the present study
was to examine the effect of Aerobic Exercises on Physiological and Echocardiographic
Variables in Male Sport Science Students of Mekelle University. Laboratory tests for
Physiological and Echocardiographic Variables were conducted before and after training at
Mekelle University Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital. Twenty (20) subjects
were selected purposively from Third year undergraduate sport science students and selected
subjects were engaged in aerobic exercise training for 3 months (3days/week, at 50-75% of
MHR for 60-80min). Data collected from physiological and echocardiographic variables were
analyzed through Paired Sample T test using SPSS version 21 statistical software with
significance level set at p<0.05. Finding of this study demonstrated that, a significant reduction
was observed on physiological variables (SBP by 4.35 3.36 mmHg, DBP by 2.65 3.602mmHg
and RHR by 6.0 1.806beat/min) at p<0.05. Additionally, aerobic exercises showed a
significant increment (p<0.05) on echocardiographic parameters (PWT by 0.75 0.55mm, IVST
by 0.3 0.571mm, LVEDV by 11.3 2.494ml, SV by 12.45 3.154ml, CO by 0.5 0.17L/min, FS
by 3.71 2.32% and EF by 5.97 2.95%) while significant reduction was observed in LVIDS by
1.40 1.759mm. However, there were no statistically significant improvement both in LVIDD
(p=0.086) and LVESV (p=0.124). This study concluded that, aerobic exercises significantly
improved the physiological and echocardiographic variables except on LVIDD and LVESV.
