AGE-RELATED ASPECTS OF HEART DEVELOPMENT IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS AGED 14–15 YEARS

Abstract

Aim. To investigate age-dependent cardiac structural development and autonomic regulation in adolescent football players aged 14–15 years. Material and methods. A study of 33 football players aged 14 (n = 15) and 15 (n = 18) was conducted using standardized anthropometry, echocardiography, and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between anthropometric, cardiac morphofunctional, and autonomic parameters. Results. Body mass index and height correlated with left ventricular myocardial mass and right atrial volume across both age groups. In 14-year-olds, dominant associations were observed between somatic growth (height/weight) and left-sided cardiac parameters. In 15-year-olds, stronger correlations were found with right-sided structures. Strongest correlations were observed between left ventricular myocardial mass and aortic diameter, as well as basal right ventricular diameter and pulmonary artery diameter, with consistent patterns across both age cohorts. Correlation matrices revealed distinct age-dependent relationships between echocardiographic parameters and HRV indices. Conclusion. Independent of age, football players aged 14–15 years exhibit significant circulatory system adaptations concurrent with anthropometric changes. In 14-year-olds, hemodynamic variability in cardiac morphofunctional systems was reduced, with right-sided cardiac dominance. By age 15, ventricular coordination becomes more synchronized. Notable, 14-year-olds demonstrate cardiovascular regulatory strain, particularly in myocardial and major vessel function.