Detection and Treatment of Sarcopenia and Myosteatosis in Older African Americans



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Orthopedic
Therapuetic Areas:Orthopedics / Podiatry
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 85
Updated:3/30/2019
Start Date:March 1, 2015
End Date:March 31, 2020
Contact:Michael Harris-Love, DSc MPT BS
Email:michael.harris-love@va.gov
Phone:(202) 745-8240

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The objectives of this study are to: 1) validate a rapid, portable, cost-effective method for
screening myosteatosis and sarcopenia using diagnostic ultrasound, and 2) investigate a novel
approach to progressive resistance exercise involving eccentric muscle actions that will
counter the local effects of myosteatosis and sarcopenia in African Americans.

The rationale for this study is the need to proactively address health disparities associated
with age-related skeletal muscle dysfunction. Age-related changes in muscle may be
characterized by sarcopenia (i.e., loss of muscle mass) and/or myosteatosis (i.e., excessive
intramuscular adipose tissue). These changes may result in physical impairments that may be
exacerbated by the lack of a formal screening and diagnosis process for older adults in
standard healthcare settings. Myosteatosis may compound the effects of sarcopenia and play a
significant role the age-related functional decline and higher incidence of type 2 diabetes
observed in African Americans in comparison to other ethnic/racial groups. The initial phase
of the study will involve the assessment of older African Americans (n = 70) to characterize
muscle size and quality in comparison to a younger reference group (n = 70). Participants
randomly selected from the older subject pool will be assigned to either the Eccentric
Exercise Group or the Concentric Exercise Group for 12 weeks of a supervised strengthening
exercise regimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

- An African American adult.

- Between 18 and 30 years of age, or between 65 and 85 years of age.

- Able to independently walk at home and in your community (use of an assistive device
like a cane or a walker is acceptable).

Exclusion Criteria:

- Uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular disease.

- A Body Mass Index of 32.5 or above may be an exclusion criterion if the X-ray
technician determines that dimensions of the scanning bed are not adequate for a
reliable examination.

- A musculoskeletal condition that would stop you from performing the physical
assessment tests.

- Muscle weakness due to neurological disease or injury (such as stroke or spinal cord
injury).

- Moderate to severe sepsis (blood infection) or edema (such as swelling of a limb).

- Been hospitalized over the last three months.

- History of a broken arm or leg bone because of osteoporosis.
We found this trial at
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Washington, District of Columbia 20060
Phone: 202-865-4272
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Washington, District of Columbia 20422
Phone: 202-745-8240
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