How changes to public spaces affect hypertension risk in older adults
Official title: Impact of Changes in Shared Public Activity Spaces on Hypertension Risk: Evidence from Longitudinal, Nationally Representative Study
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11445506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
changes in everyday public spaces like parks and sidewalks may influence blood pressure in adults 21 and older over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $113,788 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL188514-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults aged 21 and older living in communities undergoing changes to public activity spaces and who can be followed over several years.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to changes in public activity spaces or those with conditions that overwhelm environmental effects may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses longitudinal data to see whether modifications to shared spaces such as parks, walking trails, and sidewalks influence long-term hypertension risk among adults. It will quantify the magnitude and type of space changes and explore whether residential moves affect these relationships. The study will examine pathways related to physical activity and how large redevelopment projects might independently impact blood pressure over time. By following participants in a nationally representative study, the research aims to isolate the health impact of the built environment from other factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide urban planning to design aging-friendly spaces that support heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Some studies have shown links between neighborhood spaces and physical activity, but this project aims to disentangle timing and scale of changes with hypertension risk.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yeonwoo — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yeonwoo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Coaching and Navigation by Community Health Workers via Telehealth for High-Risk Hypertension
A program using telehealth and community health workers to help adults with severe hypertension connect to primary care and follow practical, heart-healthy lifestyle tips.
-
Community Health Worker–Led Hypertension Prevention and Control in Nepal
A community health worker–driven approach in Nepal aims to prevent and control high blood pressure among adults by bringing education and care directly to communities and homes.
-
Community health worker-led hypertension prevention and control in Nepal
A community health worker–led program in Nepal aims to help adults prevent and better control high blood pressure through home visits, education, and ongoing support.
-
Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
A noninvasive ultrasound method to estimate portal vein pressure in adults with cirrhosis to help manage varices and ascites.
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.