Analysis of the association between birth weight and cardiac autonomic modulation according to habitual physical activity level: EPI-FAMILY HEALTH STUDY.

• Grant number: 25/06101-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro
• Grantee: Isabella Inague Sampaio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pregnancy is characterized by the intrauterine development of the fetus and anatomical and physiological changes in the pregnant woman's body, being an important period to determine the baby's birth weight (BW). In recent studies, prenatal care has been related to different health parameters, such as body mass index, blood pressure, and incidence of type II diabetes. In addition, cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) is considered an important marker of cardiovascular health, and low birth weight may be related to low CAM in children and adolescents. Thus, the practice of physical activity (PA) through sports during childhood and adolescence has been shown to be effective in improving CAM in adulthood, but further studies are needed in the literature with objective evaluation measures, such as accelerometry, about PA and the use of physical activity in adulthood. Objectives: i) to verify whether low birth weight is associated with contraceptive methods in children and adolescents. Objectives: i) to verify whether low birth weight is associated with contraceptive methods in children and adolescents; ii) to analyze whether the different PA intensities (mild, moderate and vigorous) can influence these possible associations. Methods: The project will be a cross-sectional family-based study, which is part of a larger EPI-family health study (regular grant; grant: 2022/16437-8).The sample will consist of children and adolescents, from six to 17 years of age. Anthropometric measurements will be measured such as the measurement of abdominal circumference, body mass, height and body mass index calculated. The birth weight (BW) of the children/adolescents will be evaluated through questionnaires applied to parents at the time of data collection, as well as the socioeconomic condition of the participants. CAM will be assessed using heart rate variability captured by means of a heart rate monitor during 20 minutes of rest in the supine position. After completing the previous steps, the participants will be given the accelerometers and given the guidelines for use. The PA level of the participants will be assessed using the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer. For the statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson or Spearman correlation and Linear or Quantile Regression adjusted for sex, age and socioeconomic status will be performed. Significance of p-value <0.05. (AU)