Understanding how muscle mass affects movement and muscle function
Official title: Muscle Mass: a Critical but Missing Component in Muscle Modeling and Simulation
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10883555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how muscle size affects movement and muscle strength, using different animals to help us understand how inactive muscles work, so we can create better tools to help people with mobility challenges move more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080797-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with mobility impairments, such as those with cerebral palsy or age-related muscle degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mobility issues or muscle-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of muscle mass in improving the accuracy of musculoskeletal simulations that predict muscle forces during movement. By studying various animal models, including mice, rats, and goats, the research aims to quantify how inactive muscle mass influences muscle performance and contractile properties. The findings will be used to develop more accurate muscle models that can enhance simulations of human movement, ultimately aiming to improve mobility for individuals with mobility impairments. This approach combines empirical data with advanced computational modeling to create better tools for clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with mobility challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing muscle models can significantly improve the accuracy of simulations, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biewener, Andrew a — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Biewener, Andrew a
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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.