Understanding how muscle fatigue affects walking in older adults
Official title: Muscle Fatigue, Gait Alterations and Increased Energy Cost of Walking in Aging
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10867422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tired muscles affect walking and moving around in older adults, with the goal of finding ways to help them walk better and feel less fatigued.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $439,011 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG068102-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing mobility impairments or increased fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have issues related to muscle fatigue or mobility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of muscle fatigue on walking and mobility in older adults. It aims to understand how fatigue affects muscle coordination and gait mechanics, potentially leading to increased energy expenditure while walking. By measuring muscle performance and analyzing gait patterns, the study seeks to develop a framework for addressing mobility issues in aging populations. The ultimate goal is to identify effective interventions that can help improve mobility and reduce fatigue in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing mobility and reducing fatigue in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle fatigue and its effects on mobility, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyer, Katherine Alaine — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Boyer, Katherine Alaine
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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.