Sedentary behavior and heart health in young women
Official title: Sedentary Behavior and Cardiovascular Health in Young Women
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11326192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in young women will look at how sitting for long periods affects heart health and whether reducing sitting could lower future cardiovascular risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $485,036 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158652-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Young women, including those with adverse pregnancy outcomes, who can wear activity monitors and participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Women who are unable to wear monitors or engage in follow-up visits may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project builds on a long-term study of women from pregnancy backgrounds to understand how sedentary time relates to early cardiovascular risk. It will use accelerometers to measure daily sitting and activity patterns, and examine how brief, acute periods of sitting influence blood pressure, glucose, and lipids. The goal is to identify modifiable windows and strategies to reduce sedentary time that could improve heart health in young women, including those with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The research team will analyze all-day activity patterns rather than just total exercise time to capture real-life habits. Participation would involve wearing devices and completing assessments over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide practical ways to reduce sedentary time and lower cardiovascular risk for young women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked sedentary behavior to CVD risk, but data in young women, especially with APO, is limited and needs confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barone Gibbs, Bethany — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Barone Gibbs, Bethany
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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.