How different amounts of resistance exercise affect heart health

Dose-response to resistance exercise on cardiovascular health

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11236056

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11236056 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are interested in improving their cardiovascular health through exercise.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to engage in physical activity due to severe health conditions or disabilities may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.