Observational Study on Low Energy Availability and Hypertension in HBCU Athletes
This observational study is looking at how low energy availability (LEA) – when athletes don't eat enough calories for their activity level – might be linked to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other heart-related risks in Division I athletes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Researchers want to understand if LEA increases the risk of heart problems in this group and if this link can be changed. They will measure things like pulse wave velocity (a measure of blood vessel stiffness) and energy availability in about 150 athletes. You might be able to join if you are an HBCU Division I athlete, aged 18-26, with over 3 years of competitive experience, and do not have certain medical conditions or injuries. The current recruitment status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 150 participants. It is not testing a specific intervention or drug.
- What's involved
- You would have measurements taken once during your competitive season and once outside of it (off-season), with the second measurement no more than 26 weeks after enrollment.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Measurements will be taken at enrollment and at a second time point, which will not exceed 26 weeks.
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Low Energy Availability and Hypertension in Division I HBCU Athletes
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesWho to contact
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Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV)Enrollment to the second time point will not exceed 26 weeks. Testing once within the competitive season and once outside the competitive season (off season).
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) will be calculated by dividing the arterial path length by the pulse transit time (PTT) between the brachial and femoral arteries using the Vicorder® AS Testing System (80Beats Medical, Berlin, DE). Using a custom-built caliper, arterial path length will be calculated as 80% of the straight-line distance between the brachial and femoral artery measurement sites. To measure PTT, blood pressure cuffs will be simultaneously inflated to a sub-diastolic pressure over a 10-15s period to acquire the foot of the proximal and distal pressure waveforms. The closest two of three recordings will be averaged.
- Energy availabilityEnrollment to the second time point will not exceed 26 weeks. Testing once within the competitive season and once outside the competitive season (off season).
Energy availability (EA) will be calculated as: EA = (EI - TDEE) / FFM, where EI is energy intake (kcal·day-¹), TDEE is total daily energy expenditure (kcal·day-¹), and FFM is fat-free mass (kg). TDEE will be estimated as the sum of resting metabolic rate (RMR) and activity-related energy expenditure. RMR (kcal·day-¹) will be measured via indirect calorimetry. Activity energy expenditure will be quantified using metabolic equivalents (METs), expressed as hours per day and converted to kilocalories. Energy intake (EI) will be assessed using 3-day nonconsecutive food records (two weekdays, one weekend day) to capture habitual variability while minimizing participant burden. To reduce reporting bias, records will be collected using dietitian-administered multiple-pass interviews, which improve accuracy relative to unassisted methods. Dietary data will be analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR; University of Minnesota).