Nina Ferrari

Nina Ferrari is a Researcher at the Department of Research and Transfer within the Institute of Movement and Neurosciences at the German Sport University Cologne. With 93 publications and involvement in 10 research projects, she maintains an active research profile focused on pediatric health, obesity, and physical activity interventions. Her work frequently involves collaboration with Christine Joisten and other colleagues across multiple studies.

Dr. Ferrari's research interests span childhood obesity, physical activity during pregnancy, maternal health, pediatric fitness assessment, cardiovascular endurance in children, psychosocial aspects of obesity, leptin and adipokine research, and lifestyle interventions. Her work demonstrates a strong focus on how physical activity impacts health outcomes across different age groups and physiological states, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on childhood obesity interventions, pregnancy-related physical activity, and the physiological markers associated with weight management. Her research often employs longitudinal study designs to track health outcomes over time, with particular attention to cardiovascular metrics, psychosocial factors, and biochemical markers like leptin. The CHILT III program appears to be a major research initiative she's involved with, examining comprehensive approaches to childhood health.

Dr. Ferrari has been actively involved in multiple funded research projects including ARRA Toolbox (2025-2028), FoCo-Active (2022-2025), SURF (2018-2021), MAMA Plus (2016-2017), and SKILLS (2015-2018). These projects focus on nutrition and movement behavior changes, stress reduction, postpartum interventions, and physical activity assessment in children.

She manages research infrastructure including ActiGraphen wGT3X-BT devices, Caliperzange equipment, and Handgrip measurement tools at the Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, supporting physical activity and fitness assessment in research studies.