The effect of a one hour bout of games-based activity on adolescent cardiovascular health

INTERVENTION: The intervention assesses the effect of an acute bout of 60‐min of games‐based activity (basketball) on the inflammatory, glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in adolescents when compared against a randomised control trial. Participants are randomised using a order balanced (block sequence ABBA allocation), cross over design. Participants arrived to school at 8.30 am after resting for 24 hour prior and fasted from 9 pm the previous evening with only water allowed ad libitum. Heart rate monitors are fitted to the children upon arrival. A baseline capillary blood sample is taken and then a standardised breakfast is consumed (1.5 g carbohydrate per kilogram body mass in the form of cornflakes, toast and butter). During the exercise trial a 60‐min basketball session is delivered by an experienced coach 45‐min post breakfast. Heart rate is monitored throughout the session. Capillary blood samples are subsequently taken immediately, 1 hour, 2 hour and 3 hours post‐exercise. In addition, to assess glycaemic and insulinaemic responses post‐exercise a standardised lunch (1.5 g carbohydrate per kilogram body mass in the form of chicken sandwiches, baked crisps and an apple) was consumed 1 h post‐exercise. Further capillary blood samples are taken at 30 minute, 60 minute (2 h post‐exercise) and 120 minute (3 h post‐exercise) following lunch. Participants are instructed to rest for the remainder of the day as a final capillary blood sample was to be taken the following morning to assess inflammation and insulin sensitivity. The children arrive to school the next morning fasted from 9 pm the previous evening, had a capillary blood sample taken and were then fed a breakfast buffet before returning to lessons. During the rested control trial participants complete the same experimental protocol as outlined above but without the 60‐minute of games‐based activity. The children are taught sports science related topics throughout the day to ensure they are remained seated during CONDITION: Cardio‐metabolic health ; Circulatory System ; Cardio‐metabolic health PRIMARY OUTCOME: Inflammatory cytokines are measured acutely using a flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter Gallios™) specific multiplex bead assay (AimPlex™ multiplex assay, YSL Bioprocess Development Company, Pomona, USA) at baseline, immediately, 1 h, 2h and 3 h post‐exercise. A final measurement was taken the following morning 24 h post‐exercise to assess inflammatory mediators.; SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Blood glucose concentration is measured using a commercially available assay (GOD/PAP method, GL364, Randox, Ireland) at baseline, immediately and 1 h post‐exercise (30 min following this participants consumed of a standardised lunch), then 30 min, 60 min and 120 min post lunch. A final blood sample was taken the following morning 24 h post‐exercise to assess blood glucose.; 2. Plasma insulin is measured using a commercially available ELISA (Mercodia Ltd, Sweden) at baseline, immediately and 1 h post‐exercise (30 min following this participants consumed of a standardised lunch), then 30 min, 60 min and 120 min post lunch. A final blood sample was taken the following morning 24 h post‐exercise to assess plasma insulin.; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Male and female participants 2. Aged 10‐12 years 3. Healthy and free of non‐communicable diseases.