Muscle Aging Research focuses on the mechanisms that lead to loss of muscle mass, strength, function, and independence in older adults and the identification of targets for interventions to preserve the independence of the elderly and accelerate functional recovery from illness. The approach is translational and spans from the basic sciences to outcomes research, with investigators in the various disciplines interacting weekly or more often in joint collaborations. 

Related Links

• OAIC - Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
• STRIDE - Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop confidence in Elders
• Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit
• Center for Recovery, Physical Activity and Nutrition (CeRPAN)

Medical Effectiveness Research is also called Comparative Effectiveness Research or outcomes research. The term "effectiveness" refers to how treatments actually work in real-world community practice rather than in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Patients enrolled in RCTs tend to be younger and better educated, with lower percentages of women, minorities, the elderly, and those with multiple comorbidities. In addition, patients in RCTs are monitored more closely than those in the community. 

Related Links

• CERCIT - Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute on Cancer in Texas
• PCOR - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Hispanic Aging Research uses a population-based perspective, in which the social and economic context and the behavior of individuals play a central role in the study of how health changes as people age. The population composition of the United States has become increasingly Hispanic, and is projected to become even more so, both because of the growth of the US native population and immigration from Mexico and other countries in Latin America.

This research area typically uses data from surveys, censuses, or administrative records, and SCoA researchers have a distinct niche within this field since they have established reputations focusing on the health and aging of Hispanic populations in the United States and abroad, Mexico in particular.

Related Links

• Texas Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR)
• MHAS - Mexican Health and Aging Study
• WHO/PAHO - World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization
• H-EPESE - Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly
• Pre/Postdoctoral Training - T32 Health of Older Minorities

Implementation Research is an area developed to translate the research findings of our other three areas of research into innovative patient care. The major focus of the implementation sciences pillar of our Center is to improve population health and provide value-based care.

Related Links

• STRIDE - Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders
• STEP-HI - Starting a Testosterone and Exercise Program after Hip Injury
• D-CARE - The Dementia Care Study
• DSRIP - Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program