Chrono-exercise for better blood pressure and blood vessel health
Official title: Chrono-exercise is Medicine: Improving Blood Pressure and Vascular Function through Chronotherapy
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11397736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aging adults with high blood pressure may be able to improve their nighttime blood pressure and vascular health by scheduling exercise at specific times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $595,408 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164575-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with hypertension, especially older adults, who can participate in supervised exercise and monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unable to engage in exercise or with contraindications to physical activity may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores whether timing exercise (chronotherapy) helps older adults with hypertension improve nocturnal blood pressure and blood vessel function. Researchers will study how diurnal patterns differ with age and hypertension and how evening exercise might enhance the benefits of blood pressure medications. The study aims to identify the best times for exercise to optimize blood pressure control and vascular health outcomes. Participants will contribute data on vascular health, blood pressure patterns, and daily activity to understand how timing affects treatment. The findings could inform personalized lifestyle plans to better manage hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could achieve better nighttime blood pressure control and improved vascular health through optimally timed exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence suggests timing of therapy can affect outcomes; this study builds on emerging data about chronotherapy and exercise.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Currie, Katharine Dianne — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Currie, Katharine Dianne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
A clinical study tests how CBT-I and the sleep drug trazodone work for adults with insomnia and high blood pressure, focusing on a specific sleep duration pattern.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Non-invasive, continuous blood pressure monitoring for prenatal maternal health
A wearable device from PyrAmes uses comfortable, non-invasive sensors and smart software to constantly monitor a pregnant person’s blood pressure and heart health so doctors can protect both mom and baby.
-
Smartphone app helps pregnant women in Ghana monitor blood pressure at home
A smartphone app is being customized for pregnant women in Ghana to support home blood pressure monitoring and improve safety during pregnancy.
-
Nap duration during night shifts and blood pressure health
A Phase II study will test how long night shift naps should be to restore normal blood pressure patterns and maintain safe performance, while considering caffeine use, for night workers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.