How exercise affects brain function and social skills in adolescents with autism
Official title: Effects of Exercise on Neurobiology, Social Cognition, and Systemic Inflammation in Autism
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11065899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a 10-week exercise program can help improve brain function and social skills in young people aged 12-20 with autism, and it compares the effects of exercise to playing social games, all to see if being active can make a positive difference in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,052 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD117473-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12-20 or those without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a 10-week exercise program on brain activity, social cognition, and inflammation levels in adolescents aged 12-20 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants will engage in exercise interventions compared to a social gaming control group to assess changes in brain function related to social understanding and emotional processing. The study aims to provide insights into how physical activity can improve social skills and reduce inflammation in this population, potentially enhancing their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective, low-cost interventions that improve social functioning and overall well-being for adolescents with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using exercise to enhance social functioning in autistic individuals, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cosgrove, Kelly Theresa — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Cosgrove, Kelly Theresa
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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.