How exercise affects brain circuits during alcohol abstinence
Official title: Exercised-induced modulation of insular cortex microcircuitry during alcohol abstinence
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11086027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how exercise can help improve brain activity and mood in people who are not drinking alcohol, focusing on a specific part of the brain that deals with emotions, to find new ways to support those recovering from alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $34,849 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA030901-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder who are currently abstaining from alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not abstaining from alcohol or who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of exercise on brain activity in individuals who are abstaining from alcohol. It focuses on the insular cortex, a brain region involved in emotional responses, and how it interacts with other areas during periods of alcohol withdrawal. By studying animal models, the research aims to understand how voluntary exercise can alleviate negative feelings associated with alcohol abstinence, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder. The findings could provide insights into the brain's response to exercise and its role in managing alcohol-related behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that utilize exercise to improve mental health and reduce negative emotions in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown promising results regarding the benefits of exercise on emotional well-being during alcohol abstinence, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adank, Danielle Nicole — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Adank, Danielle Nicole
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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.