Investigating low energy availability and its effects on cardiovascular health in female athletes
Low Energy Availability and Cardiovascular Disease
This study is trying to see how low energy availability affects heart health in female athletes by looking at their health and genetic information.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Liverpool Hope University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liverpool, Merseyside) |
| Trial ID | NCT06615388 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between low energy availability (LEA) and cardiovascular diseases in trained to elite female athletes. The research will involve 126 participants from local sports clubs in the Liverpool area, who will undergo a one-time laboratory visit at Liverpool Hope University. Data collected will include demographic information, anthropometric measurements, genetic material for DNA methylation analysis, and various blood samples to assess hormonal profiles and cardiovascular health. The study seeks to fill gaps in existing research by examining the interplay between LEA, DNA methylation, and cardiovascular health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are cisgender females aged 18 to 35 who are trained to elite levels in sports and reside in the United Kingdom.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include biological males, sedentary females, and those with certain medical conditions or on specific medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how low energy availability affects cardiovascular health in female athletes, potentially leading to improved health guidelines and interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence linking DNA methylation and cardiovascular disease, this specific investigation into LEA and its cardiovascular implications in female athletes is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cisgender females * Aged 18 to 35 to avoid recruiting peri or postmenopausal females * Trained to elite female athletes based on McKay and colleagues\' (2021) criteria for participation classification framework. For example, trained (local-level representation), highly trained (competing at the national level) and elite (competing at the international level). * Females living in the United Kingdom. Exclusion Criteria: * Biological Males * Females aged over 35 * Sedentary females * Habitual smokers * Volunteers with any previous experience with Syncope * Volunteers with any previous diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease, myopathy or any neuromuscular disorder * Anticoagulants users * Pregnant women * Volunteers on lipid-lowering medication * Taking hormonal contraception (copper IUDs are acceptable)
Where this trial is running
Liverpool, Merseyside
- Liverpool Hope University — Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.