How muscle and bone healing is affected by lack of movement

Mechanobiology of fracture healing during skeletal disuse

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-10907021

This study looks at how not moving enough can slow down healing from fractures and tests different ways to help bones heal better, which could lead to new treatments for people recovering from broken bones.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10907021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how decreased muscle and bone strength from lack of movement impacts fracture healing. It uses a mouse model to simulate the effects of disuse on bone repair and explores how different mechanical loading strategies can enhance healing. By understanding the cellular and molecular changes that occur during this process, the study aims to identify effective interventions that could improve recovery outcomes for patients with fractures. The findings could lead to new therapies that address both muscle and bone health during recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced fractures and are at risk of impaired healing due to muscle loss from inactivity.

Not a fit: Patients with stable bone health and no history of fractures or mobility issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fracture healing, particularly in patients with reduced mobility.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of mechanical loading in bone healing, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

RICHMOND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.