MASS: Muscle and Ageing Science Study (V.1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Muscle and Ageing Science Study (MASS): Evaluation of novel biomarkers of mitochondrial function and dystrophin expression in sarcopenia through integration of expertise in muscle disease, imaging and population-based studies of the very old
IRAS ID
182049
Contact name
Avan Ahie Sayer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle Joint Research Office
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Sarcopenia, defined as the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is a major clinical problem for an ageing population because it is common and associated with serious health consequences in terms of increased disability, morbidity and mortality; translating into increased use of healthcare. There is therefore considerable interest in understanding the mechanisms underlying loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in later life.
Most studies of sarcopenia are rarely population-based and involve small numbers of older people. Further, very old people (aged 85+) who make up the fastest growing age-sector of an ageing population and have the highest prevalence of sarcopenia, are routinely excluded by studies often on the basis of age alone, particularly where detailed measures using high technology are used, such as detailed imaging scans and muscle biopsy.
This population-based, cross-sectional pilot study will recruit 8 participants aged 85 years of age and registered with a participating general practice within the Newcastle and North of Tyne clinical commissioning group, North East England. Over a 4 week period (approximately.) participants will receive a home visit from an experienced researcher to complete a detailed health profile (questionnaire, grip-strength, timed walk, weight, height and bloods). Participants will then be invited to attend one clinical visit at Newcastle Universities Campus for Ageing and Vitality to undergo detailed imaging and biopsy of the muscle. A final home visit will gather participant views about participating in the study and provide follow-up assessment of biopsy site.
Study aims: (i) assess the feasibility and acceptability of examining sarcopenia using detailed imaging scans, muscle biopsy and novel measures of muscle health in very old population group, (ii) evaluate findings, describing their association with muscle structure, strength and physical performance from detailed health profile and (iii) provide essential data for planned future substantive research.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0382
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion