NCT07583940 · North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
Low Energy Availability and Hypertension in Division I HBCU Athletes
(CORE-DI)
What this study 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.
View original scientific description
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.
Primary outcome measures
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).
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) will be calculated by dividing the arterial path length by the pulse transit time (PTT) between the brachial and femoral arteries using the Vicorder® AS Testing System (80Beats Medical, Berlin, DE). Using a custom-built caliper, arterial path length will be calculated as 80% of the straight-line distance between the brachial and femoral artery measurement sites. To measure PTT, blood pressure cuffs will be simultaneously inflated to a sub-diastolic pressure over a 10-15s period to acquire the foot of the proximal and distal pressure waveforms. The closest two of three recordings will be averaged.
Energy availability
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).
Energy availability (EA) will be calculated as: EA = (EI - TDEE) / FFM, where EI is energy intake (kcal·day-¹), TDEE is total daily energy expenditure (kcal·day-¹), and FFM is fat-free mass (kg). TDEE will be estimated as the sum of resting metabolic rate (RMR) and activity-related energy expenditure. RMR (kcal·day-¹) will be measured via indirect calorimetry. Activity energy expenditure will be quantified using metabolic equivalents (METs), expressed as hours per day and converted to kilocalories. Energy intake (EI) will be assessed using 3-day nonconsecutive food records (two weekdays, one weekend day) to capture habitual variability while minimizing participant burden. To reduce reporting bias, records will be collected using dietitian-administered multiple-pass interviews, which improve accuracy relative to unassisted methods. Dietary data will be analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR; University of Minnesota).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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
- Greensboro, North Carolina
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations