Examining Adolescent Movement Phenotypes And Cardiovascular Disease Risk Across 4 Years: A Longitudinal Cluster Analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a global health issue. Adolescence is a key prevention period, as habits formed during this time often persist into adulthood. Movement phenotypes, encompassing movement proficiency, capacity, and behaviors, are crucial in CVD prevention by influencing cardiovascular health. PURPOSE: This 4-year longitudinal study aimed to identify latent clusters of adolescents’ movement phenotype-related CVD risk factor profiles and examine their stability over time. METHODS: 1,147 Finnish adolescents (Mage 11.27 ± .32) were recruited and their motor competence (MC), cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength/endurance, body composition, and physical activity (PA) were measured yearly (Years 1, 3, and 5). Latent profile and transition analysis identified clusters and tracked changes across time. RESULTS: Four clusters of movement phenotype were identified. Profile 1 (23% of the sample) had the lowest MC, cardiovascular and muscle strength/endurance, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and the highest body mass index. Profile 2 (20%), predominantly girls, showed below-average MC and movement capacity. Profile 3 (36%) displayed healthy indicators with above-average MC, physical capacity, and behaviors. Profile 4 (20%) had the highest levels of MC, physical capacity, and behaviors, with healthy body composition. Cluster memberships were stable from Year 1 to 5, except for a transition from Profile 4 to Profile 3 (21.1% from Year 1 to Year 3; 24.8% from Year 3 to 5). Girls were more likely to be in Profile 2 at T1 and Profile 1 at T3, and students born earlier in the year tended to be in Profile 3 at T1. CONCLUSION: This study underscores links between movement patterns and CVD risk factors during adolescence, providing insights for targeted interventions and preventive strategies to reduce early CVD risk and improve long-term cardiovascular health.