Stronger hearts, weaker leaps? The cardiac power paradox in elite soccer

The findings are preliminary and hypothesis generating, consistent with a potential trade-off between cardiac remodeling and maximal explosive performance in elite male soccer. Greater cardiac mass is associated with attenuated explosive power capacity, a functional "cardio-neuromuscular paradox." The RVJT may serve as a practical tool to monitor this systemic balance and inform training adjustments to preserve power in athletes with pronounced cardiac remodeling.