Interaction of biological maturation with early sports initiation in adolescents: ABCD Growth Study

• Grant number: 25/10420-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Rômulo Araújo Fernandes
• Grantee: Jessica Casarotti Miguel da Silva
• Supervisor: Manuel Joao Cerdeira Coelho e Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade de Coimbra (UC), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/04236-3 - Effect of early sports initiation on bone health of adolescents: ABCD - Growth Study, BP.MS

Abstract

Objective: To identify the role of biological maturation in the relationship between early sports initiation and bone health in adolescents. Methods: Fieldwork will take place in the city of Coimbra, Portugal (FAPESP-BEPE), which will involve training and access to the Overseas Advisor database. The sample will consist of 110 adolescents of both sexes and ages between 11 and 17 years (Brazilian and Portuguese). Bone density/geometry will be assessed by bone densitometry, as well as muscle mass measurements. Muscle strength will be assessed by handgrip. Skeletal maturation will be assessed by densitometry images from wrist/hand. The definition of early sports practice will be based on a table present in the literature. Statistics will be composed of structural equation models, exploring mediation analyses. Expected results: We expect to advance the understanding of the means by which early sports practice can affect bone formation, exploring the action of skeletal maturation. Likewise, the assimilation of the technology by the Brazilian team is expected.