Understanding how exercise affects young women with restrictive eating disorders

Characterizing Acute Exercise Response in Restrictive Eating Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10739107

This study is looking at how exercise affects young women aged 16-22, especially those with restrictive eating disorders, to understand why some people feel driven to exercise more than others, which could help improve treatment options for those struggling with these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10739107 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between exercise and restrictive eating disorders, focusing on how driven exercise (DEx) impacts adolescents and young adults. By examining both the rewarding and threatening aspects of exercise, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to DEx in individuals with eating disorders. Participants will include young women aged 16-22, both with and without eating disorders, to better understand the differences in exercise response. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adolescent and young adult females aged 16-22 who have been diagnosed with restrictive eating disorders or are healthy controls.

Not a fit: Patients who are not female, or those outside the age range of 16-22, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment approaches for young women suffering from restrictive eating disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the psychological aspects of exercise in eating disorders, but this specific investigation into DEx is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.