How exercise affects dopamine levels and movement in the brain
Official title: Benefits of Exercise on Nigrostriatal Dopamine and Motor Behavior
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10997336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise might help improve movement and brain health in people with Parkinson's disease by boosting important chemicals in the brain, and it aims to show that staying active could be a helpful addition to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,216 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135884-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are looking for non-pharmacological treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who are unable to engage in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of exercise on the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway, which is crucial for motor control and is affected in Parkinson's disease. By using animal models, the study examines how voluntary exercise influences dopamine release and the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron health. The goal is to understand whether exercise can serve as a beneficial, non-drug treatment to improve motor function and potentially alter disease progression in Parkinson's disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about exercise as a complementary therapy to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for improving motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease through exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can have positive effects on motor function and brain health in animal models, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Margaret E — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rice, Margaret E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Oxytocin's effect on social brain function in autistic adults
A group at NYU School of Medicine studies how oxytocin affects social thinking and brain activity in adults with autism.
-
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.
-
Connecting TDP-43 Pathology to Molecular Profiles in Neurodegeneration
This grant explores how specific molecular patterns in brain tissue relate to ALS and Alzheimer’s disease features, aiming to improve understanding of disease subtypes and progression.
-
INOCA-mobile heart rehab for angina and breathlessness
A mobile health-based cardiac rehabilitation program is being tested to help people with INOCA feel better and move more.
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.