The Exercise, Arterial Modulation and Nutrition in Youth South Africa Study (ExAMIN Youth SA)
Date
2020Author
Kruger, Ruan
Monyeki, Makama Andries
Schutte, Aletta Elisabeth
Smith, Wayne
Mels, Catharina Martha Cornelia
Kruger, Herculina Salomé
Pienaar, Anita Elizabeth
Gafane-Matemane, Lebo Francina
Breet, Yolandi
Lammertyn, Leandi
Mokwatsi, Gontse Gratitude
Kruger, Ankebé
Deacon, Elmari
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: The impact of a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle on cardiovascular
health is well-documented, however the current obesity and hypertension trends among
children is concerning. The ExAMIN Youth SA study aims to investigate the impact
of lifestyle behaviors (physical fitness/activity, dietary intake and psychosocial factors)
involved in early vascular aging among South African children.
Methods: This study is an analytical, multidisciplinary, observational cohort study in a
school-based setting. We aim to phenotype a cohort of ∼1,000 primary school children
(black and white boys and girls between ages 5–9 years) based on current clinical
childhood conditions including hypertension and obesity. The primary phenotype is large
artery stiffness and retinal microvascular diameters, both biomarkers of early vascular
aging. The risk factors and mediators of early vascular aging and also responsible for the
clinical conditions include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and life stress. Additionally,
urinalysis and salivary analyses will be performed to identify biomarkers related to the
pathophysiology of early vascular aging.
Discussion: In line with the growing prevalence of obesity and hypertension responsible
for the development of early vascular aging from childhood to adulthood, this study will
address the critical areas in which we observe unfavorable arterial modulation related
to dietary behaviors, physical inactivity, and early life stress. Implementation of novel
biological markers may further contribute to our understanding of early cardiovascular
adaptations in childhood, and aid in the development of primary prevention programs
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/35603https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.00212/pdf
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00212
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences [2386]