INFLUENCE OF TRACK & FIELD INICIATION ON BONE DENSITY, BONE ARCHITECTURE AND BONE GEOMETRY AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: ANALYSIS OF THE ASSOCIATION WITH DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN A 7-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

• Grant number: 24/14990-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ribeiro Agostinete
• Grantee: Vinicius de Almeida Corrêa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Growth during childhood and adolescence encompasses a critical period of life characterized by significant development of various tissues and physical capacities, leading to their mature state. In this context the practice of exercise acts as a enhancer for this development, and it is important to highlight that sports participation represents one of the most common forms of physical exercise observed in pediatric populations within the domain of leisure. Among the most widely practiced sports in Brazil today, track and field stands out due to its relatively low cost and its potential for extensive development among participants.However, little research has been conducted on the impact of initiation into track and field on various health outcomes, including bone health, as well as the physical fitness of children and adolescents. Objectives: To analyze the influence of initiation into track and field on various bone health outcomes and physical fitness among children and adolescents, as well as to examine the association between the development of fitness components and changes in bone tissue. Methods; Prospective cohort study lasting 9 months, children and adolescents aged 8 to 14 years, of both sexes, will be recruited, one group will be part of a initiation into a track and field program and other will just keep their routine. Inclusion criteria will be applied to both groups. Outcomes related to body composition (fat mass and lean soft tissue), bone health (bone mineral density, bone geometry, and bone microarchitecture), and physical fitness (speed agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular power) will be analyzed. Somatic maturation, biological sex, and habitual physical activity will be considered as confounding variables. Data will be presented as mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval, where appropriate. Specific statistical analysis will be Applied according to the objectives, and a significance level of p<0.05 will be adopted. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is expected to understand the impact of initiation into track and field on various bone health outcomes, as well as on physical fitness among children and adolescents. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the predictive influence of physical fitness components on bone outcomes.