Improving cardiovascular health by reducing loneliness through physical activity for military personnel transitioning to civilian life
Official title: Reducing social isolation and loneliness through physical activity to lower cardiovascular disease risk among military women and men reintegrating into civilian life
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-10893027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help military personnel who are transitioning back to civilian life feel less lonely and more connected, while also encouraging them to be active, so they can improve their heart health and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,613 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL159348-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are military men and women who are reintegrating into civilian life and experiencing social isolation or loneliness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not military personnel or those who do not experience social isolation or loneliness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing social isolation and loneliness among military personnel reintegrating into civilian life, which can negatively impact cardiovascular health. It aims to develop a culturally sensitive intervention that promotes physical activity while fostering social connections and support. By utilizing community-engaged research methods, the project will evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions through behavioral randomized control trials. Participants will engage in activities designed to enhance their sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health and overall well-being for military personnel transitioning to civilian life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting physical activity can have positive effects on health outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yarish, Natalie Marie — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Yarish, Natalie Marie
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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.