Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded a $117,000 Project Grant to The Regents of the University of Colorado (University of Colorado-Denver) effective July 7, 2026, under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837). This proof-of-concept study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of aerobic exercise as a countermeasure to the harmful cardiometabolic effects associated with night shift work. The research addresses a significant public health gap, as approximately one-fourth of the U.S. working population works nontraditional hours and faces increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes due to circadian misalignment. The deliverables include assessment of recruitment process feasibility, optimization of study protocols, staff training, and patient experience improvement in preparation for a future definitive clinical trial.

The project will employ a rigorous, well-controlled randomized crossover study utilizing a 6-day simulated shift work inpatient protocol with 8 healthy male and female participants in Aurora, Colorado. Specific research outcomes will measure the effectiveness of guidelines-based aerobic exercise in counteracting cardiometabolic impairments such as endothelial dysfunction, elevated blood pressure, dysglycemia, and decreased insulin sensitivity caused by circadian misalignment. The study is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2028, and will generate evidence to inform whether aerobic exercise represents a viable lifestyle intervention for shift workers to mitigate cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.