The current project is a longitudinal, clinical study focused on evaluating the effects of a structured physical activity intervention in healthy prepubertal boys. The study will be conducted with the collaboration of the Pediatrics Department and the Nutrition and Metabolism Area of the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba; the Child Metabolism and Nutrigenomics. Metabolic Syndrome research groups at the Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research (IMIBIC); and the Departments of Biochemistry at both the University of Córdoba and the University of Granada. A total of 20 male participants, aged 9 to 12 years, will be selected. Inclusion criteria include being healthy, in Tanner stage I of pubertal development, and having anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters (weight, height, BMI, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) within the 50th percentile ±1 standard deviation. Children outside this range, or with signs of pubertal development, will be excluded. The intervention consists of a 3-year physical activity program structured into two annual phases: a 6-week preseason beginning each September, followed by a 32-week season coinciding with the academic year. During the preseason, participants will undergo five weekly 2-hour training sessions. The season will include three 2-hour after-school training sessions per week, and one weekend match. Training sessions will be divided into two parts: individual skill development at moderate to high intensity (60-85% HR) and gameplay focusing on tactics and strategy. All sessions will be supervised by highly qualified coaches. Physical fitness will be assessed through the Eurofit test battery, including the Course Navette, Sit and Reach, 30-second Sit-ups, and Standing Long Jump tests. Physical activity levels will be monitored using accelerometers, and data on weekly activity frequency, intensity, sedentary behavior, and leisure time will be collected. A comprehensive physical examination will include assessment of pubertal development, anthropometry, heart rate, and blood pressure. Body composition will be measured using TANITA BC-418 bioimpedance equipment, and will include height, weight, lean and fat mass, and body water percentage. Additionally, biochemical markers of general health, inflammation (via LINCOplex assays and Luminex xMAP technology), and oxidative stress will be analyzed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
The intervention program will last for 3 years, and each year will be divided into two periods: a preseason, beginning in early September and lasting for the first 6 weeks, followed immediately by a 32-week season (until the end of the school year). The preseason will include 5 training sessions per week, each lasting 2 hours (Monday to Friday). The following season will include 3 training sessions per week, each lasting 2 hours (after school), and one match on the weekend. Each session will be divided into 2 periods separated by a 10-minute break: the first period will focus on individual skills with moderate to high-intensity exercises (60-85% of heart rate), and the second period will focus on gameplay (tactics and strategy). The trainers had a high level of professional training, ensuring the quality of the sessions. Dietary recommendations based on the Mediterranean diet will be given to the subjects.
IMIBIC
Córdoba, Spain
Body composition: Height
Height in centimeters is measured with the SECA 213 precision measuring instrument on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Body composition: Weight
Weight in grams is measured by the precision weighing scale model Tanita 780PMA on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Body composition: Body mass index
Body mass index in kilograms per square meter is calculated on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Body composition: Waist circumference
Waist circumference in centimeters is measured with a SECA 201 precision measuring tape on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Muscular strength
The upper and lower body strength was assayed by the flexed arm hang (FAH) and horizontal jump test, quantifying the time maintaining a flexion and the distance reached in the jumps, respectively
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Cardiorespiratory endurance
Cardiorespiratory endurance is assessed in minutes by using the Course Navette test. The number of completed series is recorded.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Anaerobic capacity
Core strength was evaluated by the number of abdominals in 30 seconds
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Anaerobic capacity
Anaerobic capacity was assessed by the speed test (40 m)
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Assessment of dietary intake and habits
The habitual intake of the child is assessed by using the food and drink frequency questionnaire and KID-MED. The KIDMED index ranges from -4 to 12 points. Higher scores indicate greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and therefore a better dietary quality. A total score is calculated based on 16 yes/no questions: positive connotations are scored +1, and negative connotations are scored -1.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Body composition: Fat mass
Fat mass both in kilograms and in percentage is measured on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Body composition: Fat mass index
Fat mass index in kilograms per square meter is calculated on an annual basis.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Body composition: Fat-free mass
Fat-free mass in kilograms is measured on an annual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Body composition: Total body water
Total body water both in kilograms and in percentage is measured on an annual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Systolic blood pressure measurement
On an annual basis, the systolic blood pressure is measured in mmHg in triplicate in order to obtain an average value.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
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Diastolic blood pressure measurement
On an annual basis, the diastolic blood pressure is measured in mmHg in triplicate in order to obtain an average value.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Heart rate measurement
On an annual basis, the heart rate is measured in beats per minute in triplicate in order to obtain an average value.
Time frame: In the first year, measurements were taken at baseline (September), and at 6, 9, and 12 months. In the third year, the same measurement schedule was repeated.
Hematological analysis: Hemoglobine
Hemoglobin levels are determined in grams per deciliter on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Hematocrite
Hematocrite levels are determined in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Erythrocytes
Erythrocytes count is measured in 10e06 units per microliter on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Mean corpuscular volume
Mean corpuscular volume is measured in femtoliters on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
Mean corpuscular hemoglobine is measured in picograms on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
Mean corpuscular hemoglobine concentration is measured in grams per deciliter on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Red cell blood distribution width
Red cell blood distribution width is determined in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: White blood cells
White blood cells count is measured in 10e03 units per microliter on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.ual basis.
Hematological analysis: Neutrophils
Neutrophils count is measured both in 10e03 units per microliter and in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes count is measured both in 10e03 units per microliter and in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Monocytes
Monocytes count is measured both in 10e03 units per microliter and in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Eosinophils
Eosinophils count is measured both in 10e03 units per microliter and in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Basophiles
Basophiles count is measured both in 10e03 units per microliter and in percentage on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Platelets
Platelets count is measured in 10e03 units per microliter on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Hematological analysis: Mean platelet volume
Mean platelet volume is measured in femtoliters on an individual basis.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Glucose
Glucose is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Bilirubin
Total bilirubin is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Creatinine
Creatinine is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Urate
Urate is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Urea
Urea is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Total protein
Total protein is measured both in grams per deciliter and in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Aspartate aminotransferase
Aspartate aminotransferase is measured in international units per liter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Alanine aminotransferase
Alanine aminotransferase is measured in international units per liter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Gamma-glutamyl transferase
Gamma-glutamyl transferase is measured in international units per liter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Alkaline phosphatase
Alkaline phosphatase is measured in international units per liter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: High density lipoproteins
High density lipoproteins (HDL) are measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Non-HDL cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol levels are calculated in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Low density lipoproteins
Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Apolipoprotein A1
Apolipoprotein A1 is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Apolipoprotein B
Apolipoprotein B is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Calcium
Calcium is measured both in milligrams per deciliter and in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Potassium
Potassium is measured both in millimoles per liter and in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Sodium
Sodium is measured in millimoles per liter, in milliequivalents per liter and in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Phosphorus
Phosphorus is measured in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Iron
Iron is measured in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Magnesium
Magnesium is measured in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Zinc
Zinc is measured in milligrams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Insulin
Insulin is measured both in micro international units per liter and in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Insulin resistance
The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index is used to estimate insulin resistance.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: C-reactive protein
C-reactive protein is measured in milligrams per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Tumor necrosis factor alpha
Tumor necrosis factor alpha is measured in picograms per deciliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Adiponectin
Adiponectin is measured in milligrams per liter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: IL-6
Il-6 is measured in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
IL-8
IL-8 is measured in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: NGF
NGF is measured in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: TNFa
TNFa is measured in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: MCP-1
MCP-1 is measured in picograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Total PAI-1
Total PAI-1is measured in units per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: HGF
HGF is measured in nanograms per milliliter on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: Measurements were taken at baseline in September and 9 months later in June during the first year. This same schedule was repeated in the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Energy
Energy is determined in kilocalories on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Sugars
Sugars are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Fiber
Fibers are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Total fat
Total fat is measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Saturated fatty acids
Saturated fatty acids are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Monounsaturated fatty acids
Monounsaturated fatty acids are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.
Biochemical analysis: Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are measured in grams on an individual basis. Analysis performed in plasma.
Time frame: September, January, April, and June of the first year, September of the second year, and September of the third year.