Understanding how to improve muscle recovery in older adults after inactivity

Elucidating the Mechanisms of Translational Approaches to Enhance Recovery of Aged Muscle

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10928223

This study is looking at how a mix of metformin and leucine can help older adults recover their muscle strength after being inactive for a while, using tests on older mice to find out how this treatment works and how it might help people bounce back after surgery or long periods of not moving.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928223 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of a combination treatment of metformin and leucine on muscle recovery in older adults who have experienced muscle atrophy due to physical inactivity. The study uses pre-clinical trials with aged mice to explore how this treatment can enhance muscle strength and reduce muscle damage. By examining the underlying mechanisms of how these compounds work together, the research aims to develop effective strategies for improving muscle health and function in older populations. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into potential therapies that could benefit older adults recovering from surgery or prolonged inactivity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced muscle loss due to inactivity, such as after surgery or during extended periods of physical immobility.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing muscle atrophy or who have other underlying health conditions that prevent participation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve muscle recovery and overall health in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using metformin and leucine for muscle recovery, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes MellitusBurn injury
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.