Assessing muscle health in older adults using electrical signals
Official title: Accurate and rapid assessment of sarcopenia in older adults through electrical impedance myography
Funded at Myolex, INC. · NIH-10668482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, quick way to check the muscle health of older adults to help spot sarcopenia, which is when people lose muscle strength as they age, using a safe technique that sends small electrical currents through the muscles, so we can better support seniors in staying strong and independent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Myolex, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brookline, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $813,035 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG074840-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10668482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who may be experiencing muscle weakness or physical limitations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any muscle health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of muscle condition in older adults, particularly to identify sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. The study utilizes a technique called electrical impedance myography (EIM), which involves applying electrical currents to specific muscles to gather data on their condition. This method is designed to be quick and effective, providing healthcare providers with better tools to evaluate muscle health without the need for complex imaging technologies. By integrating machine learning, the research aims to enhance the accuracy of the assessments, ultimately helping to prevent falls and maintain independence in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of sarcopenia, improving the quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that electrical impedance myography is effective in assessing muscle conditions, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Myolex, INC.
Brookline, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickinson, David P. — Myolex, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dickinson, David P.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.