Understanding how sex differences affect muscle and bone function
A quantitative framework to examine sex differences in musculoskeletal scaling and function
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-10897881
This study is looking at how being male or female affects the muscles and bones in our legs, with the goal of helping us understand movement, injury risks, and muscle diseases better, so we can create more personalized ways to prevent and treat these issues for everyone.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10897881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a detailed framework that examines how biological sex influences musculoskeletal structure and function. By developing a comprehensive digital database of lower limb muscles, joints, and bones for both males and females, the project seeks to improve our understanding of how these differences impact movement biomechanics, injury risk, and neuromuscular diseases. The approach involves advanced computer simulations to analyze these variations, which have been largely overlooked in previous studies that often relied on male-only data. This work could lead to more tailored prevention and treatment strategies for musculoskeletal issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages, particularly those with musculoskeletal injuries or neuromuscular diseases, as well as healthy individuals for comparative analysis.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to musculoskeletal function or those who do not identify as male or female may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases that differ by sex.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on sex differences in musculoskeletal health, this specific quantitative framework approach is relatively novel and aims to fill significant gaps in the existing literature.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLEMKER, SILVIA SALINAS — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: BLEMKER, SILVIA SALINAS
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 below.