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

The PI of this project was: Andrew Watson, MD

This project was funded by: University of Wisconsin ICTR KL2

The term of this project was: October 2018 to June 2020

The number of subjects scanned during this project was: 48

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.