Exercise and small blood vessels in sleep apnea
Official title: Examining the effects of exercise on microcirculatory function in obstructive sleep apnea
Funded at Towson University · NIH-11291913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if regular aerobic exercise improves the tiny blood vessels and muscle energy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Towson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Towson, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $528,822 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL184307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11291913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with obstructive sleep apnea who are able to participate in an aerobic exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in aerobic activity or with medical contraindications to exercise may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests whether six weeks of walking or other aerobic exercise can improve microcirculation and muscle energy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It builds on findings that fitness can rise with exercise but cardiovascular risk markers may not change right away, suggesting benefits may occur at the level of tiny blood vessels and muscle tissues. Researchers will measure changes in tissue oxygenation during activity and explore how OSA severity influences response to exercise. Participants will follow a supervised exercise program and undergo noninvasive assessments to monitor microcirculation and muscle function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could support exercise programs as a targeted way to protect heart health in people with OSA.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed fitness gains with exercise in OSA but limited evidence of improvements in microcirculation or mitochondrial capacity.
Where this research is happening
-
Towson University
Towson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dobrosielski, Devon — Towson University
- Study coordinator: Dobrosielski, Devon
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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.