The Trajectory study aims to determine whether childhood aerobic fitness, sleep quality, and diet quality predict cardiometabolic health during puberty and early adulthood, independently of adiposity.
The Trajectory study is a longitudinal observational study. Participants will be recalled from two existing pediatric cohorts: the Arkansas Active Kids study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03221673; IRB #206217) and the MI Energy study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04427462; IRB #260376). Both were cross-sectional studies with comparable designs, recruiting children between ages 7 and 10 years, regardless of sex, BMI, or ethnicity. The Trajectory study serves as the follow-up component during adolescence or early adulthood (ages 13-21). It is anticipated that approximately 250 participants will complete the follow-up visit. During the follow-up visit at the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (ACNC), the following key measurements will be conducted: * Body Composition: Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) * Metabolic Profile: Fasting blood markers, including glucose, lipid profile, and insulin resistance * Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Interstitial sensor-based glucose * Vascular Function: Ultrasound (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) * Liver Examination: Ultrasound (liver steatosis and stiffness) * Resting Metabolic Rate: Indirect calorimetry * Aerobic Capacity: Cardiopulmonary exercise test (spirometry) * Muscle Strength: Dynamometry * Physical Activity \& Sleep: Accelerometry * Dietary Intake: Food frequency questionary
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
250
Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Composite score of cardiometabolic health status.
This composite outcome evaluates cardiometabolic health across two time points (pre-/early-adolescence and adolescence/early adulthood). It is calculated as the mean of z-scores for: fasting triglycerides and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (from fasting blood samples), HOMA2-IR (from fasting glucose and insulin), systolic blood pressure (automated sphygmomanometer), fat mass index \[DXA-derived fat mass (kg)/height²\], and inverse peak oxygen uptake (measured via graded exercise test with indirect calorimetry). The composite provides an overall measure of cardiometabolic health status. The goal is to assess whether childhood aerobic fitness, sleep quality, and diet quality independently predict this score, controlling for adiposity \[DXA-derived fat mass index (kg/m²)\].
Time frame: Baseline assessment in childhood (ages 7-10) and follow-up assessment during adolescence or early adulthood (ages 13-21)
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