Investigating muscle changes in elderly patients with sarcopenia using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Quantitative and Spectroscopic Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Changes in Sarcopenia at High Field
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10904781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can use advanced MRI technology to take a closer look at muscle health in older adults with sarcopenia, helping us understand how changes in muscle structure relate to everyday activities like grip strength and walking speed, which could lead to better ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG066815-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals experiencing muscle weakness or loss of function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not exhibit signs of muscle atrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on sarcopenia, a condition in older adults characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function. The study aims to develop advanced MRI techniques to non-invasively observe muscle structure and composition in high detail. By measuring muscle morphology, microstructure, and fat content, the research seeks to understand how these changes relate to muscle function indicators like grip strength and gait speed. This could help define sarcopenia more accurately and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for sarcopenia, improving the quality of life for elderly patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study muscle conditions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sveinsson, Bragi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sveinsson, Bragi
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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.