NIH-funded research R15 grant

How early life inactivity affects muscle quality in adulthood

Official title: Influence of early life physical inactivity during a key period of postnatal development on adult muscle quality – from matrix to mortality

Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-10870721 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how not being active as a child can affect muscle health and overall well-being later in life, using mice to help us understand the long-term effects of early inactivity on things like muscle strength and aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMiami University Oxford
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oxford, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$410,071
NIH project number1R15AR084182-01
Project IDNIH-10870721 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults who have experienced low levels of physical activity during their early developmental years.

Less likely to help

Patients who have maintained a consistently active lifestyle throughout their childhood and adolescence may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of early life physical inactivity on muscle quality and metabolic health in adulthood. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand how a lack of physical activity during critical developmental periods affects muscle function and the extracellular matrix. The study will also explore the relationship between early inactivity and the development of frailty and survival rates. The findings could provide insights into how childhood inactivity may lead to long-term health issues in adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for improving muscle health and preventing chronic diseases related to inactivity in both children and adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life physical inactivity can have lasting effects on health, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Miami University Oxford
    Oxford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Reidy, Paul Timothy — Miami University Oxford
  • Study coordinator: Reidy, Paul Timothy

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.