How exercise during pregnancy affects the metabolism of babies born to obese mothers
Official title: Effect of Maternal Exercise in Women with Obesity on Offspring Mesenchymal Stem Cell Metabolism
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11031945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of exercise during pregnancy can help improve the health of babies born to moms with obesity by examining the stem cells from their umbilical cords.
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 | February 9, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137945-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with obesity who are sedentary and willing to participate in an exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have obesity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal exercise on the metabolism of mesenchymal stem cells in infants born to women with obesity. It focuses on how different types of exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, during pregnancy can influence the health and metabolic profiles of newborns. By analyzing stem cells derived from umbilical cords, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind the benefits of maternal exercise on infant health. The research involves randomizing pregnant women with obesity into different exercise groups to assess the outcomes on their infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for infants born to obese mothers, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes from maternal exercise on infant health, indicating that this approach has potential based on existing evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Broskey, Nicholas — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Broskey, Nicholas
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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.