Understanding how muscle fatigue affects walking in older adults

Muscle Fatigue, Gait Alterations and Increased Energy Cost of Walking in Aging

NIH-funded research University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10867422

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hadley, United States)
Project IDNIH-10867422 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing mobility impairments or increased fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have issues related to muscle fatigue or mobility may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Hadley, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.