Why Older Adults' Muscles Don't Respond Well to Exercise

Mechanisms of Anabolic Resistance in Older Humans

['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11132999

This project explores why muscles in older adults might not get stronger from exercise, focusing on how fat tissue could play a role.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11132999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We are looking into why muscles in older adults sometimes don't respond as effectively to exercise, a condition known as anabolic resistance. Our preliminary findings suggest that inflamed fat tissue might be sending signals that interfere with muscle growth and repair. This work will involve studying fat tissue and muscle function in both younger and older adults using advanced imaging and molecular tests. We will also examine how fat tissue samples from these individuals affect muscle cells in a laboratory setting. The aim is to identify the specific ways fat tissue might be contributing to muscle problems as people age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies might be older adults experiencing muscle weakness or a reduced ability to build muscle from exercise.

Not a fit: Patients who are not older adults or do not experience issues with muscle response to exercise may not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies and treatments to help older adults maintain muscle strength and improve their response to physical activity.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of inflamed adipose tissue in anabolic resistance is a novel focus, general research on aging and muscle health has consistently highlighted the importance of exercise.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.