How different types of exercise during pregnancy affect childhood obesity risk
Official title: Effect of exercise modality during pregnancy on childhood obesity risk
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11085209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of exercise during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of childhood obesity, especially for moms who are overweight or obese, and it aims to find out which exercises are best for both moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129480-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are overweight or obese at the time of conception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who are of normal weight may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how various exercise modalities during pregnancy influence the risk of childhood obesity. It focuses on overweight or obese women and aims to determine which types of exercise—such as aerobic or resistance training—are most beneficial for both mothers and their infants. By comparing the health outcomes of mothers who engage in different exercise types against those who do not exercise, the study seeks to identify effective strategies to improve maternal and infant health. The research will involve 284 pregnant women participating in a randomized exercise intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored exercise recommendations for pregnant women that significantly reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown benefits of exercise during pregnancy, but this specific investigation into different exercise modalities is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Linda E — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: May, Linda E
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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.