How aging and muscle activity affect muscle healing
Official title: The opposing effects of matrix aging and muscle activity on extracellular vesicle promotion of muscle regeneration
Funded at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · NIH-11169740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and how our muscles work can affect the way muscle stem cells help heal injuries, with the goal of finding better ways to help older adults recover their muscle strength and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087565-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle injuries or those with age-related muscle degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any muscle injuries or age-related muscle issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the aging process and muscle activity influence the ability of muscle stem cells to promote muscle regeneration after injury. It focuses on understanding the changes in the extracellular matrix that occur with age and how these changes affect the healing response of aged muscle. By examining the biophysical properties of the muscle environment, the study aims to identify ways to enhance muscle recovery in older adults. Patients may be involved in assessments that explore their muscle health and recovery capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for muscle injuries in older adults, enhancing their recovery and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in muscle regeneration, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambrosio, Fabrisia — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ambrosio, Fabrisia
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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.