Optimizing aerobic fitness and how older adults respond to exercise
Official title: Optimizing Aerobic Fitness and Functional Response to Exercise in Older Adults.
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11384658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests exercise programs to help older adults with daily activities improve their heart health and physical function after hospital stays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $546,687 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084636-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, particularly women, with aging-related muscle weakness or disability who participate in or could benefit from cardiac rehabilitation and structured aerobic or resistance training.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without functional limitations or those unable to participate in structured exercise may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
Older adults who have been hospitalized often lose strength and may struggle with daily tasks. The project focuses on how different aerobic and resistance training approaches, including high-intensity options, affect peak fitness and functional abilities in aging individuals. Researchers will compare multidimensional exercise routines to see which best restores muscle size, strength, and everyday function for those with acquired disabilities. The goal is to identify practical, effective exercise strategies that can be used in cardiac rehabilitation to support healthier aging. The study is conducted through the University of Vermont and an affiliated college, led by Dr. Sherrie Khadanga.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, older adults could regain more independence and better physical function after hospital stays through improved exercise programs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior CR exercise programs show functional benefits, but this project explores combined multi-modal approaches to address muscle size and strength in older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khadanga, Sherrie — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Khadanga, Sherrie
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.