NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding muscle loss and recovery in older adults

Official title: Sarcopenia and recovery from Disuse-Induced Atrophy

Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-11098430 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how getting older makes it harder for people to bounce back and regain muscle strength after being inactive, like after an injury or being in bed, and it aims to find ways to help older adults recover their muscle and stay active and independent.

More Sarcopenia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma City VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX005626-04
Project IDNIH-11098430 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly veterans, who are experiencing muscle loss due to inactivity or age-related factors.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger and do not have issues related to muscle atrophy or inactivity may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging affects muscle recovery after periods of inactivity, such as bed rest or injury. It focuses on the challenges older adults face in regaining muscle strength and function, which are crucial for maintaining independence and mobility. By studying the mechanisms behind muscle atrophy and recovery, the research aims to develop effective therapies that can help older individuals recover their muscle mass and improve their overall quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance muscle recovery in older adults, helping them maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls and disability.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle recovery mechanisms in older populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bodine, Sue C — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Bodine, Sue C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis

    This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11644470

  • MiRNA roles in age-related muscle loss and NMJ health

    This project explores how small RNA molecules called miRNAs influence muscle aging and the neuromuscular junction in adults.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Lincoln · Lincoln, United States · NIH-11452282

  • Multiscale microgels delivering GDNF and agrin to help with sarcopenia

    Aimed at older adults with muscle loss, this project tests a new treatment that slowly releases biological factors to support nerve-muscle connections and improve strength when combined with or for people who can’t do intense resistance training.

    NIH research University of Kentucky · Lexington, United States · NIH-11451992

  • Frailty and sarcopenia in aging adults

    Aging adults, especially women, may develop frailty and muscle loss, and this project explores how muscle blood flow and inflammation relate to these conditions and to dementia and heart problems.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11411368

  • High-field MRI to detect muscle changes in age-related muscle loss

    Very strong MRI scans will measure muscle quality, fat, and chemistry in older adults with sarcopenia.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11388325

  • LA-rich oil to help strong muscles as we age

    A study will test whether adding a linoleic acid–rich oil to the diet improves muscle strength and walking ability in older adults with sarcopenia.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11372304

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.