Development of Clinical Methods to Evaluate Neural Function in Aging

Completed

Conditions studied: Aging

In brief

A primary focus of the University of Florida (UF) Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is to build a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of declining physical function and disability development among older adults. To date investigators have largely focused on sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength, as the primary contributor to physical decline. However, recent findings indicate that changes in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems may play a larger role than previously thought in the development of functional limitations. These fields hold extensive promise for identifying novel contributors to age-related functional decline. Therefore, the overarching aim of this project is to develop the ability of RC1 to assess novel neural contributors to mobility and overall physical function. Importantly, the development of these techniques will provide the RC1 with the tools to evaluate the potential involvement of the central and peripheral nervous systems in age-related functional decline and disablement. The primary aim of this project is to develop techniques for quantifying peripheral motor unit number and size as well as spinal cord integrity.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02073201

Run by

University of Florida

People needed

27

Starts

2015-09-01

Expected to finish

2017-06-02

Last updated by the study team

2018-04-05

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 100. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 60 years and older OR 20-30 years
• Higher functioning older adults: Score ≥ 11 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
• Lower functioning older adults: Score ≤ 8 on the SPPB
• Body mass index: 20-35 kg/m2 to ensure homogeneity and strength of signal for EMG and MRI analyses
• Willingness to participate in all study procedures

You may not qualify if…

• Failure to provide informed consent;
• Contraindications to MRI, such as claustrophobia, heart pacemaker / defibrillator, heart valve prosthesis, aneurysm clip, metallic stent, neurostimulation system, cochlear implants or inner ear prosthesis, insulin pump or other infusion pump, metal slivers in the orbital area/eye socket
• active treatment for cancer or history of cancer in the past year
• Severe cardiac disease, including NYHA Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, history of cardiac arrest or stroke, use of a cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina;
• previous stroke with upper and/or lower extremities involvement within the last 6 months
• history of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, severe Parkinson's disease or severe neurological disorders likely to interfere with physical function
• renal disease requiring dialysis
• lung disease requiring steroids
• lower extremity amputation
• severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that interferes with physical function
• complicated diabetes requiring insulin
• A known diagnosis of dementia
• Unable to communicate because of severe hearing loss or speech disorder;
• Severe visual impairment, which would preclude completion of the assessments and/or intervention;
• Simultaneous participation in another intervention trial

Where it is running

• UF Clinical Translational Research Building — Gainesville, Florida, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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