The Effects of Physical Fitness and Obesity on Cardiac Morphology and Function in Children

By using novel, innovative cardiac MRI techniques that allow real-time physiologic imaging at rest and during exercise, our goal is to define the independent influences of CRF and body composition on ventricular morphology and function in children. We expect our findings will significantly advance our understanding of the effects of exercise and obesity on cardiac size and function during early adolescence. This will not only inform guidelines and lifestyle recommendations for children to promote cardiovascular health, but will facilitate the development of subsequent longitudinal, interventional studies to undermine the development of cardiovascular disease.