Low Energy Availability and Hypertension in Division I HBCU Athletes
Recruiting · NCT07583940 · Observational (researchers observe without assigning treatment) · Lead sponsor: North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →What this trial is about
Low energy availability (LEA) occurs when the body does not get enough calories to support both daily life and exercise. This can happen when athletes train hard but do not eat enough to match their energy needs. In both 2012 and 2023, the International Olympic Committee on Sports Nutrition recognized LEA as an important factor that can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), which includes conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. LEA can affect many systems in the body. It may disrupt hormones (such as menstrual cycles), cause changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, weaken bones, impair digestion, and negatively impact mental health. Over time, these changes may be linked to chronic inflammation, which plays a key role in the development of disease. Maintaining proper energy balance can be especially challenging for athletes because they often train at levels well above general health recommendations. As a result, even highly fit athletes may unintentionally remain in a calorie deficit. Our recent pilot research found a significant relationship between LEA and high blood pressure in Black Division I collegiate athletes. This is important because this group has historically been understudied and may face a higher risk of serious heart-related events, including sudden cardiac death. Despite assumptions that collegiate athletes are uniformly healthy, there is a need to better understand hidden health risks in this population. Our research aims to improve how we identify and monitor early signs of cardiometabolic disease by examining markers such as inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. These insights will help healthcare providers, athletes, and families make more informed decisions about nutrition, training, and long-term health. Ultimately, this work seeks to develop practical, evidence-based strategies to protect athlete health and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular outcomes.
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- Age: 18-25yrs Sex: Male and Female Training Status/Experience: HBCU Division I collegiate athletes with \>3yrs of previous competitive experience
Exclusion criteria
- Persons who self-report any known disease, or unknown issue precluding collegiate competitive participation: Excluded
- Those who have any orthopedic injuries, concussions, or conditions which would preclude safe testing: Excluded
- Individuals who are not yet adults \<18yrs (e.g.: infants, children, teenagers):
- Excluded
- Persons who have a pacemaker: Excluded
- Persons who are pregnant: Excluded
Where it is running
1 location listed across 1 US state.
- North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University - Greensboro, North Carolina, United States