Impact of sports participation performed in vigorous intensity on adolescent cardiovascular health aspects: ABCD-GROWTH STUDY

• Grant number: 21/08655-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Rômulo Araújo Fernandes
• Grantee: Wésley Torres
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the relationship between vigorous sports participation and cardiovascular parameters among adolescents of both sexes. Methods: Longitudinal study linked to ABCD - Growth Study, carried out in the city of Presidente Prudente, Brazil. The sample will consist of at least 165 adolescents of both sexes and aged between 11 and 17 years old. Two groups will be formed: Control and Engaged in sports (track & field, basketball, karate, kung-fu, judo, baseball, gymnastics, ballet and swimming). Blood pressure and arterial thickness will be the dependent variables. The time spent in vigorous physical activity will be the independent variable (accelerometer). Mediation variables will be adiposity e inflammatory profile. Confounders will be sex, age, biological maturation, lipid and glycemic profile. Structural equation models will be created considering the relationship between vigorous physical activity and cardiovascular aspects, taking into account the mediating role of body adiposity and inflammatory profile (adjusted by all variables above mentioned). All analyzes will be run using the Stata software (version 15.0) and the significance level (p-value) will be pre-fixed at values below 5%. Expected findings: It is expected to identify the potential benefits to pediatric health, resulting from the engagement in vigorous physical activities.