PREFIT-UP Predictive role of physical fitness in preschool age on cardiometabolic and emotional health in adolescence

Summary

The primary aim of the PREFIT-UP project is to examine the association between physical fitness in preschool age (3 to 5 years) and cardiometabolic health in adolescence (11 to 15 years).

The secondary aims are:

1. To examine the association between physical fitness in preschool age and emotional well-being in adolescence.
2. To examine the association between physical fitness in preschool age and academic performance in adolescence.
3. To examine the association between physical fitness in preschool age and lifestyle behaviors (sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) in adolescence.
4. To examine the changes in physical fitness between preschool age and adolescence and their relationship with cardiometabolic health, emotional well-being, academic performance, and lifestyle behaviours.

PREFIT-UP is a prospective longitudinal study that tracks participants from childhood through adolescence.

PREFIT-UP builds upon the PREFIT project, which assessed over 3,000 preschool-aged boys and girls in 10 cities geographically distributed across Spain in the years 2014-2015. Now, in 2023-2024, we are inviting the same children who participated 9-10 years ago to take part again.

Cardiometabolic health will be measured in a subset of participants through 24-hour glucose monitoring, intermuscular fat assessment via ultrasound, and arterial stiffness evaluation. Physical fitness and body composition will also be assessed. Emotional well-being variables will include quality of life, mental health, risk of addictions, and suicidal ideation (self-reported). Additionally, academic performance, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep patterns, and dietary habits will be evaluated.

Status

• Ethical committee approved.
• Currently, the project is on recruitment and assessment phases.

Funding

This project is funded by the European Association for the Study of Obesity and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF23SA0083955), as well as the Andalusian Institute of Sport (6158).

Selected publications

Currently under preparation/revision.

PREFIT-UP on media

Not yet available.