How maternal exercise affects bone and joint development in fetuses with movement issues
Official title: Effects of maternal exercise on fetal akinesia-impaired bone and joint development
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10978971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how moms staying active during pregnancy can help their babies' bones and joints grow better, especially when the babies can't move around much due to certain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $523,064 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD113596-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals whose fetuses are diagnosed with conditions causing reduced fetal movement, such as fetal akinesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose fetuses do not exhibit movement impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal exercise on fetal bone and joint development, particularly in cases where fetal movement is limited due to conditions like low amniotic fluid or muscle impairment. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to understand how exercise during pregnancy can influence the development of skeletal structures. The study will identify specific cells that respond to maternal exercise and explore the signaling mechanisms involved, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for affected pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that improve bone and joint development in fetuses with movement limitations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using maternal exercise to improve fetal development in similar contexts, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boerckel, Joel D — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Boerckel, Joel D
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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.