How different amounts of resistance exercise affect heart health
Official title: Dose-response to resistance exercise on cardiovascular health
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11236056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different amounts of weight lifting can affect heart health, especially for people who want to lower their risk of heart disease, and it will help figure out the best exercise guidelines for strength training.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,350 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL171098-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11236056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are interested in improving their cardiovascular health through exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are unable to engage in physical activity due to severe health conditions or disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of varying doses of resistance exercise on cardiovascular health, particularly focusing on how different levels of weight lifting can influence heart disease risk factors. The study aims to clarify existing guidelines for resistance exercise, which are currently less defined compared to aerobic exercise recommendations. By conducting randomized controlled trials, the research will compare multiple doses of resistance exercise to determine the optimal amount for reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Participants may engage in structured exercise regimens while their cardiovascular health is monitored over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to clearer exercise guidelines that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease for many individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on aerobic exercise, this study is novel as it aims to directly compare different doses of resistance exercise on cardiovascular health, an area that has not been thoroughly tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Duck-Chul — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lee, Duck-Chul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Enhancing Intergenerational Heart Health in Nigeria during Pregnancy and Early Life
A research project will test a healthy eating and active living program for pregnant women with obesity in Nigeria to help improve heart health for the mother and her children.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
ENRICH: A Center to Support Healthy Hearts for Moms and Kids
A nationwide effort at Johns Hopkins to test a consistent, family-focused program that helps mothers and their children develop healthier heart habits using home visiting, technology, and coordinated care.
-
Early life air pollution and kids’ heart health: how metals in the air affect children from birth to age 12
This grant studies how pollution from cooking fires and wood smoke in early life may shape a child’s heart health through age 12.
-
Enhancing cardiovascular health for moms and kids at home
A multi-center program tests whether enhanced home visiting can improve heart health and growth in families from economically challenged communities by collecting more accurate pediatric height/weight data.
-
GLP-1 receptor drugs and heart-brain health in diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk
A Duke-led study will explore how GLP-1 receptor medicines and exercise affect brain and heart health in models prone to diabetes and Alzheimer’s risk.
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.