Overview

The aim of the 3-year longitudinal study is to investigate the cardiovascular system's response to training loads in young athletes. For the first time, these parameters will be examined alongside biochemical and metabolic laboratory measures, as well as body composition. The study focuses on the impact of training frequency and intensity, as well as performance, on cardiovascular structure and function.

The following research questions are being investigated:

What structural and functional cardiovascular changes can be observed in young athletes compared to the norm?

What is the relationship between cardiac and vascular parameters depending on the athletic load (training frequency and intensity) as well as athletic performance?

Do cardiac/vascular parameters change over the course of the study, and what role do athletic load (training frequency and intensity) as well as athletic performance play?

What laboratory chemical changes can be observed in young athletes depending on the athletic load (training frequency and intensity) as well as athletic performance?

What connections exist between laboratory chemical parameters and cardiac and vascular parameters in young athletes?

Is there a correlation between structural and functional cardiovascular changes and body composition as well as eating behavior?

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants aged ≥7 and <18 years, presenting for sports medical examination and meeting the criteria mentioned for a period of 3 years
• Athletes participating in competitions, engaging in regular training in a primary sport, being members of a club or association, and training ≥3 hours per week
• The last intensive training must have occurred 12 hours ago to ensure sufficient recovery
• No acute infection, confirmed by a medical examination on the day of testing
• No orthopedic injury, confirmed by a medical examination on the day of testing
• No chronic disease, confirmed by a medical examination on the day of testing
• Clearance for cardiopulmonary stress testing after a medical examination on the day of testing
• Annual participation (1 time per year) in the sports medical examination for 3 years
• Maintaining regular training, training duration ≥3 hours per week, and participation in competitions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of an acute infection, acute orthopedic injury, or chronic disease
• Missing consent from the participant and/or legal guardian