Investigating how exercise affects stress resilience differently in men and women

Sex and circuit-specific determinants of exercise-induced stress resilience

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11086788

This study is looking at how exercise helps men and women handle stress differently, especially focusing on women who often deal with stress-related mood and anxiety issues, to find out what makes exercise work better for them.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11086788 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the differences in how exercise influences stress resilience in men and women, particularly focusing on women who are more prone to stress-related mood and anxiety disorders. The study examines the mechanisms behind the stress-buffering effects of exercise, using animal models to understand how exercise impacts brain circuits and serotonin activity. By analyzing various biological and behavioral responses, the research aims to identify specific factors that enhance stress resistance in females compared to males.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing stress-related mood and anxiety disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as female or those not experiencing stress-related mood or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted exercise-based interventions that improve mental health outcomes for women facing stress-related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on sex differences in exercise-induced stress resilience is novel, previous research has shown that exercise can have significant mental health benefits.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders, Anxiety Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.