Low Energy Availability and Hypertension in Division I HBCU Athletes

Part of paid clinical trials in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Sponsor
North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
Study ID
NCT07583940
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Hypertension (HTN)
  • Nutritional Deficiency Related Cardiovascular Risk in Athletes
  • Vascular Stiffness

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 26 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date
Jan 6, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
May 30, 2027
Completion
Jun 30, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
150 participants (estimated)

Arms

  • Arm: Division I HBCU Athletes
    Division I athletes with a minimum of \>3yrs experience tested once inside the competitive season and once outside of the competitive season beginning January 2026.

Primary Outcome Measure

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) [ Time Frame: Enrollment to the second time point will not exceed 26 weeks. Testing once within the competitive season and once outside the competitive season (off season). ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State UniversityGreensboroNorth Carolina27411
Troy M Purdom, PhD
[email protected]
3362853552
Catherine Bush, PhD, MPH
[email protected]
336-334-7712

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By research site
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University· Greensboro, NC

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