Understanding how muscles maintain endurance during exercise

New mechanisms behind skeletal muscle endurance

NIH-funded research Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11048925

This study is looking at how a process called Stretch Activation helps muscles keep working well during long activities, using mouse muscle fibers to learn more about how this works, which could eventually help people with muscle endurance issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Troy, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048925 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Stretch Activation (SA) in skeletal muscle endurance, particularly focusing on how it helps maintain force production during prolonged activity. By examining mouse muscle fibers under various conditions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind SA and its contribution to muscle function. The research will utilize both skinned and live muscle fibers to measure SA characteristics and power output, providing insights into how muscles can sustain performance over time. This could lead to new strategies for treating conditions that affect muscle endurance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting muscle endurance, such as congenital myopathies or muscular dystrophies.

Not a fit: Patients with acute muscle injuries or those not experiencing endurance-related muscle issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for muscle-related conditions, enhancing endurance and overall muscle function.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Stretch Activation in skeletal muscle are not well-studied, previous research in cardiac muscle has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Troy, 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 2026-06-15 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.