Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA) Jr

Do you ever wonder what happens to our muscles as we get older?

SOMMA (Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging) Jr, is a university research study that is taking place at two academic research centers at the University of Pittsburgh and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The main purpose of SOMMA Jr is to understand how muscle changes as we get older. We hope that this research project will allow us to compare muscle characteristics in older and younger adults and understand why some people develop problems walking as they get older. For more details visit: www.sommastudy.com

SOMMA is open to men and women, aged 30 to 69 years who meet the eligibility criteria. You do not need to have mobility impairment or disability to participate.

If you are eligible and decide to participate in SOMMA Jr we will ask you to complete 3-4 clinic visits within about a month. During the course of the study you will:

• Be asked questions about your general medical history, medications, diet history, mood, depression, quality of life, tobacco and alcohol use, pain and perceived fatigue
• Complete physical tests
• Complete memory and paper and pencil tasks
• Have your physical activity levels recorded
• Provide blood and urine samples
• Have a muscle tissue sample collected from your thigh
• Possibly be asked to provide a fat tissue sample from your belly
• Undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test
• Perform a walking-based treadmill test and measure of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production

You will be compensated for your time and effort.

If you are interested in participating in SOMMA Jr, please complete the Participation Form (below) or contact the Health Studies Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

Phone: 800-872-3653
Email: SOMMASTUDY@pitt.edu