Exploring how walking in green spaces affects adults with prediabetes
Official title: Effects of Walking in Greenspace and the Built Environment in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10870116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how walking in parks and natural areas compared to city streets affects the health of adults with prediabetes, focusing on things like blood sugar levels, stress, and overall well-being, to help find better ways to prevent prediabetes from getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $627,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170504-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have prediabetes or those with severe mobility limitations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of walking in natural environments, known as greenspaces, on adults with prediabetes. Participants will engage in a randomized crossover trial, where they will alternate between walking in greenspaces and urban built environments. The study aims to assess various health outcomes, including blood glucose control, stress levels, and overall well-being, by measuring physiological responses and psychological effects. By understanding how different environments influence health, the research seeks to provide insights into effective strategies for preventing the progression of prediabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for individuals with prediabetes by promoting walking in greenspaces as a beneficial lifestyle change.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the health benefits of greenspace exposure, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pereira, Mark a — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Pereira, Mark a
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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.