Prenatal exercise modes and how they affect child obesity risk
Official title: Effect of exercise modality during pregnancy on childhood obesity risk
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11358394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests which exercise type during pregnancy best protects children from obesity and metabolic problems later in life for women who are overweight or obese.
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 | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129480-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pregnant women who are overweight or obese at conception or early in pregnancy and are able to participate in prescribed exercise programs.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals who cannot exercise due to medical reasons or who have contraindications to physical activity may not benefit.
What this research studies
If a pregnant woman is overweight or obese, her exercise choices might shape her child’s health for years to come. The study will compare different prenatal exercise modes to see which ones most improve health markers in both mother and baby, aiming to lower risks like obesity and metabolic syndrome in early childhood. It uses a randomized design with 284 pregnant participants to evaluate outcomes related to infant growth and metabolic health. Results could guide safe, effective exercise recommendations for at-risk pregnancies. The research is conducted at East Carolina University under the leadership of Dr. Linda E. May.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to clear, actionable exercise guidelines for overweight or obese pregnant women to improve long-term health for their children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows benefits of exercise during pregnancy, but this trial seeks to determine which mode provides the greatest advantages for both mother and child.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Linda E — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: May, Linda E
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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.