Understanding how aging affects muscle strength
Official title: Motoneuronal mechanisms underlying age-related muscle weakness
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-11056056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in nerve cells might make muscles weaker as we get older, and it hopes to find new ways to help older adults stay strong and independent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,140 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG067758-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who experience muscle weakness or physical limitations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any muscle weakness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind muscle weakness in older adults, focusing on how changes in motor neurons contribute to this issue. It aims to uncover the role of specific channels in motor neurons that may reduce their ability to activate muscles effectively as people age. By studying these neurological factors, the research seeks to identify new ways to improve muscle strength and function in older individuals, which is crucial for maintaining their independence. The approach combines experimental techniques to assess motor neuron activity and muscle performance in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance muscle strength and reduce physical limitations in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the neurological aspects of muscle function can lead to significant advancements in treatment for age-related muscle weakness.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Brian C — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Clark, Brian C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how unacylated ghrelin affects muscle weakness in aging and cancer.
This study is looking at whether a hormone called unacylated ghrelin can help older adults and cancer patients keep their muscles strong and prevent muscle loss, with the hope of finding a new way to support those dealing with muscle weakness.
-
Antioxidant treatment for heart failure and muscle weakness in older women
This study is looking at how a special antioxidant treatment might help postmenopausal women with heart failure that makes it hard for them to exercise and causes muscle weakness, with the goal of finding better ways to improve their strength and stamina.
-
Investigating mutations in a protein linked to muscle weakness and tremors
This study is looking at how changes in a specific protein called Myosin Binding Protein-C can lead to muscle problems like weakness and tremors, and it aims to help patients by figuring out how these changes affect muscle function and finding new ways to treat these issues.
-
Investigating how unacylated ghrelin affects muscle weakness and loss in aging and cancer patients
This study is looking at how a hormone called unacylated ghrelin might help older adults and cancer patients keep their muscles strong and healthy, which could improve their overall quality of life.
-
Targeted NMES to improve breathing and leg/extra muscle strength in COPD
This study tests whether targeted neuromuscular electrical stimulation helps people with COPD see improvements in breathing muscle function and overall muscle strength.
-
Low-Volume PENG Block With Dexamethasone After Hip Replacement
This trial tests whether a smaller PENG block with dexamethasone provides similar pain relief but preserves quadriceps strength after hip replacement, compared with the standard-volume PENG block.
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.