Molecular and metabolic determinants of disuse atrophy in older adults

Molecular and metabolic determinants of skeletal muscle disuse atrophy, with a focus on the relevance of this to older adults. It is well-established that some muscles, during periods of inactivity or complete disuse, waste at a much faster rate than others - however why this happens is not yet known. A better understanding of the metabolic and molecular regulators will help us develop, in the future; exercise, nutritional and potentially pharmacological strategies to try and prevent or minimise this atrophy. Reduced physical activity in older adults is well-established, with many age-associated conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, cancer etc) often causing extreme periods of inactivity due to (for example) joint limitations or surgery. Following on from the 'main' study looking at the regulators of disuse atrophy, we will also explore different exercise modalities and their potential to recovery disuse atrophy in older adults.