The impact of physical exercise on immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.

Adjuvant effect of physical exercise on immune response to COVID-19 vaccination and interactions with stress

['FUNDING_R21'] · IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10922671

This study is looking at whether doing some exercise when you get your COVID-19 vaccine can help older adults build a stronger immune response, and it’s for anyone interested in how staying active might boost the effectiveness of their vaccine without causing more side effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorIOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10922671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how physical exercise performed at the time of COVID-19 vaccination may enhance the immune response, particularly in older adults. It aims to determine if exercise can serve as a non-pharmacological adjuvant to improve vaccine efficacy without increasing side effects. The study will explore the relationship between exercise, immune response, and factors such as age and health status, with the goal of identifying effective protocols that could be widely implemented. Participants may engage in specific exercise routines to assess their impact on antibody and T cell responses post-vaccination.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those who are not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine responses in older adults, enhancing their protection against COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the benefits of physical exercise on vaccine responses, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

AMES, 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 →

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.