How blood flow and heart wall motion interact in athletes versus inactive people using 3D echocardiography
Official title: Interaction Between Intraventricular Flow and Cardiac Mechanics Using 3D Echocardiography in Athletes and Sedentary Subjects
Run by University of Avignon · NCT07363993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will use 3D echocardiography to see how intraventricular blood flow and left‑ventricular mechanics differ between long‑training endurance athletes and people who exercise little.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Avignon Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Avignon and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07363993 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults who are either long‑term endurance athletes (≥10 hours/week for ≥5 years) or sedentary controls (<3 hours/week) without known heart disease, major cardiovascular risk factors, or contraindications to participation.
✕Probably not a fit
People with existing heart disease, current cardiac rhythm disorders, significant cardiovascular risk factors (eg, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, BMI >30), pregnant or breastfeeding women, protected or vulnerable adults, or those otherwise ineligible under the protocol are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational comparison of endurance athletes and sedentary controls using 3D echocardiography to combine measures of intraventricular flow, regional myocardial deformation, and cardiac geometry. Athletes must have performed at least 10 hours of endurance training per week for at least five years, while controls do less than 3 hours per week. The study excludes participants with known heart disease, current rhythm disorders, major cardiovascular risk factors, pregnancy, or inability to consent. Collected data will include 3D echo‑derived flow indices, ventricular shape metrics (for example sphericity and wall curvature), and regional myocardial function to explore relationships between flow patterns and mechanics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians better distinguish normal athletic heart remodeling from disease and improve monitoring or counseling for athletes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous echocardiography studies have examined athlete's heart and intraventricular flow separately, but combining 3D flow dynamics with regional mechanics in this population is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for athletes: \- Athlete practicing at least 10 hours of endurance training per week for a minimum of 5 years. Inclusion criteria for controls: \- Individual not training in more than 3 hours of physical activity per week. Exclusion Criteria for both groups: * History of known heart disease; * Current cardiac rhythm disorder; * Individual with one or more cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index \> 30 kg/m²); * Individual in a period of relative exclusion in relation to another protocol, or for whom the annual maximum compensation amount of €4,500 has been reached; * Individual not affiliated with a social security system, or not benefiting from such a system; * Pregnant or breastfeeding woman; patient unable to give informed consent; protected adults; vulnerable persons; * Individual deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision. Exclusion criteria for athletes: \- Use of substances listed on the prohibited substances list of the French Anti-Doping Agency
Where it's running
-
LaPEC
Avignon, France Recruiting -
CHU Montpellier
Montpellier, France Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.