Investigating how muscle health affects mobility and aging in older adults
Official title: Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging: SOMMA2
Funded at California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute · NIH-10989229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our muscles change as we get older, especially to see what might lead to problems with movement, memory, and overall health, and it's for older adults who want to help researchers learn more about staying active and healthy as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $12,573,238 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AG059416-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are interested in understanding the factors that affect their mobility and overall health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those with pre-existing severe mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological pathways related to muscle health and mobility in older adults. By analyzing muscle tissue and blood samples from a diverse group of participants, the study aims to identify factors that predict mobility disability, dementia, and mortality. Participants will undergo repeat muscle biopsies and assessments of their physical fitness over time, allowing researchers to track changes and better understand the aging process. The study also explores the role of mitochondrial function, DNA damage, and inflammation in muscle aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining mobility and overall health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle aging and its impact on mobility, making this study a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cummings, Steven Ron — California Pacific Med Ctr Res Institute
- Study coordinator: Cummings, Steven Ron
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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.