Understanding Physical Activity and Heart Health in Older Women

Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health in Older Women: OPACH2

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11111259

This project aims to learn more about how physical activity and sitting habits affect heart health in women aged 85 and older.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11111259 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Heart disease is a significant concern for women, especially those over 85, and we want to find better ways to prevent it. This project builds on a previous effort called OPACH, which looked at how physical activity and sedentary time, measured by devices like accelerometers, relate to heart disease in older women. We learned that even light activity can reduce the risk of heart problems and death, while too much sitting can increase risk. This new work will continue to explore these important connections to help improve health for aging women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are likely women aged 85 and older who previously participated in the OPACH study.

Not a fit: Patients not in the specific age group or not part of the original OPACH study may not directly benefit from participation in this particular follow-up.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us develop better recommendations for physical activity to prevent heart disease in very old women.

How similar studies have performed: The previous OPACH study showed significant reductions in heart disease and mortality with increased light physical activity, indicating a successful foundation for this follow-up.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
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.