Doctoral Dissertation Research: Bone growth in relation to physical activity, food and immune function during childhood

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $27,059 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Healthy bone growth is essential to attaining adult stature and maintaining good health, including appropriate levels of physical activity, through life. However, bone growth can be compromised by other essential life functions (e.g., immune function), especially among individuals with restricted access to resources (low-resource environments). Accordingly, the purpose of this doctoral dissertation project is to examine how variation in living conditions impact bone growth and immune function in children. The study uses minimally invasive methods, and the data generated aid the identification of factors that affect bone growth during childhood. Participants are informed of their bone growth and immunological status, and research findings are shared with public health agencies. In addition to training the graduate student researcher, the study provides additional student and public training and educational opportunities. This project studies energetic trade-offs in children with varying access to resources to better understand how factors related to living conditions and environmental circumstances relate to childhood bone growth. Quantitative ultrasonometry and accelerometry are used to measure bone growth and physical activity, respectively. Data on food is collected using surveys. Child growth is evaluated through height and skinfolds. Dried blood spots, from fingerpicks, are implemented to measure markers of immune function (e.g., immunoglobulin E and C-reactive prot

Key facts

NSF award ID
2521541
Awardee
Washington University (MO)
SAM.gov UEI
L6NFUM28LQM5
PI
Theresa E Gildner
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Biological Anthropology, Biotechnology
Estimated total
$27,059
Funds obligated
$27,059
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027