Study Explores the Implications of Physical Inactivity in the Aging Population
Physical inactivity, such as bed rest, is one of the major causes of Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass in older adults. While bed rest may be effective to comfort from an illness or condition, it is also one of the major causes
of strength and functional decline in seniors, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and inability to perform daily activities without aid.
The purpose of the study is to identify the causes that accelerate the loss of muscle mass and function with short-term bed rest, a time frame that is modeled after what some may experience during a short hospitalization. This study seeks individuals, ages 60-85 years old with Type 2 Diabetes, not taking insulin. Participants should not have any other major disease except Diabetes. They are asked to attend 2 outpatient clinic visits and one 7-day in-clinic admission where 5 of those days will require complete bed rest (i.e. cannot leave the bed and will be using a
bedside commode during this time).
This study is supported by a grant.
Elena Volpi, MD, PhD is the Principal Investigator of this study.