Helping older adults overcome exercise anxiety during cardiac rehabilitation
Official title: A tailored exposure intervention targeting exercise anxiety and avoidance in cardiac rehabilitation
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10887611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping older adults with heart issues who feel anxious about exercising, by using a friendly program that helps them get more comfortable with physical activity so they can stick to their exercise routines and improve their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070136-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with cardiovascular disease who struggle with exercise anxiety and are enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing exercise anxiety or those who do not have cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving exercise adherence among older adults with cardiovascular disease who experience anxiety related to physical activity. It employs a cognitive-behavioral intervention called Behavioral Exposure For Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT) to help patients manage their fears and discomfort associated with exercise. By addressing the psychological barriers to exercise, the study aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs. Participants will engage in tailored exposure interventions designed to gradually increase their comfort with exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of older adults with cardiovascular issues to engage in regular exercise, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using cognitive-behavioral approaches to address exercise anxiety, indicating that this intervention may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farris, Samantha Gwen — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Farris, Samantha Gwen
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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.