Promoting steady activity for adults with obesity through PATH-powered exercise videos and remote coaching
Official title: Promoting Weight Agnostic Total Cardiometabolic Health using the Physical Activity for The Heart Intervention: The WATCH-PATH Trial
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11450535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A weight-neutral online program called PATH uses YouTube workout videos and remote coaching to help adults with obesity stay active and improve heart health over a year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $678,031 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NR022430-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with obesity who are willing to use online videos and remote coaching.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals uncomfortable with online programs or video-based workouts or unable to engage remotely may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a weight-neutral, web-based PATH program designed with input from adults with obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to PATH or an attention-control group for 12 months, with remote coaching and feedback to support sustained physical activity. The study will measure weekly movement, daily steps, and cardiometabolic health outcomes to see if PATH helps people maintain activity longer term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PATH could provide a scalable, enjoyable way for adults with obesity to stay active and improve heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilots showed good engagement and feasibility, with promising signals for activity and health improvements, but long-term effects are still uncertain.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kariuki, Jacob Kigo — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kariuki, Jacob Kigo
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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.