RecruitingACTRN12626000308392

The CAMAS Study: A Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study on the myocardial effects of long-term anaerobic exercise using structure-function correlation

A Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study on the myocardial effects of long-term anaerobic exercise using structure-function correlation in active adults

Sponsor

The University of Sydney

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jan 27, 2026

Study Type

Observational

Conditions

Long-term anaerobic exercise Cardiovascular Events

Summary

The CAMAS study is a prospective, longitudinal observational cohort study examining the effects of long-term anaerobic exercise on myocardial structure and function. Adults with predominantly anaerobic gym training are compared with individuals undertaking predominantly aerobic exercise using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and electrocardiography. Blood samples are collected for exploratory molecular analyses where funding permits. Participants are followed annually for up to ten years to document cardiac diagnoses and cardiovascular events. The study aims to identify imaging-based phenotypes associated with anaerobic exercise and potential cardiovascular risk.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria6

Adults aged at least 18 years
Male or female
Regular exercise training for at least 5 years (at least 3 gym sessions/week, at least 120 minutes/week, including at least 1 lower body session/week)
Predominantly anaerobic or predominantly aerobic exercise history (per study group definitions)
Ability to comply with study procedures
Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria6

A) Contraindication to cardiac MRI (e.g. pacemaker or other ferromagnetic implants, severe claustrophobia, inability to fit in scanner)
B) Known cardiovascular disease or inflammatory cardiac conditions (ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or pericarditis)
C) Recent or significant COVID-19 infection (within 6 months, or requiring antiviral therapy or hospitalisation)
D) Family history of cardiomyopathy or inherited arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
E) Current or recent substance exposures likely to confound outcomes (illicit recreational drug use, alcohol abuse, tobacco smoking within 10 years)
F) Use of medications that may confound cardiac structure or function (anti-obesity drugs, regular anti-inflammatory drug use)

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Interventions

The CAMAS study is a prospective, longitudinal observational exposure study (no intervention). Participants are enrolled based on exercise exposure: a) Exposure group (anaerobic): adults (at least

The CAMAS study is a prospective, longitudinal observational exposure study (no intervention). Participants are enrolled based on exercise exposure: a) Exposure group (anaerobic): adults (at least 18 years) with approximately 5 years of predominantly anaerobic gym training (at least 3 days/week, at least 120 min/week, including at least 1 lower body session/week); anaerobic group additionally requires ability to bench press and squat at least their body weight (kg). All enrolled participants undergo a baseline research assessment comprising a questionnaire (anticipated to take approximately 10-15 minutes); 12-lead digital ECG, venous blood sampling, and cardiac MRI (CMR) (approximately 1 hour). Participants are followed annually for up to 10 years to capture interim cardiac diagnoses and cardiovascular events.