How male and female muscles, bones, and movement differ
A quantitative framework to examine sex differences in musculoskeletal scaling and function
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11167621
This project will create tools that show how men’s and women’s bones, joints, and muscles differ and how those differences can change movement and injury risk for adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be helping researchers build a digital database of lower‑limb bones, joints, and muscles from men and women of different body sizes. They will use medical images and physical measurements to make computer models that simulate how people move. The team will improve musculoskeletal simulation methods so models reflect male and female anatomy instead of averaging them together. Finally, they will use those models to see how anatomical differences may change movement patterns and risk for injury or neuromuscular problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older, especially those with or at risk for musculoskeletal injuries or neuromuscular conditions, would be ideal candidates to provide imaging or movement data.
Not a fit: Children under 21 and people without musculoskeletal concerns or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate, sex-specific injury prevention, diagnosis, and personalized rehabilitation approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous movement-simulation studies have advanced biomechanical understanding, but creating validated sex-specific population models is relatively new and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLEMKER, SILVIA SALINAS — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: BLEMKER, SILVIA SALINAS
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 below.