Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)
We’re Recruiting and Looking for You!
Recruitment starting Winter 2026 for adults age 70 and older.
Do you ever wonder why your muscles don’t work the way they used to? So do we!
SOMMA, or the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging, is an ongoing large university research study that began in 2018 at at two academic clinical centers at the University of Pittsburgh and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. We have already enrolled 879 older adults and now we are expanding enrollment!
This project is funded by the National Institute of Health. The main purpose of SOMMA is to understand how muscle changes as we age. We hope that this research project will help us 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 70 years or older 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, we will ask you to complete several examinations within the first month and then return at least one time a year for three years, with phone calls between visits. During the course of the study you will complete:
- Questionnaires: general medical history, medications, diet history, mood, depression, quality of life, tobacco and alcohol use, pain and perceived fatigue
- Physical tests
- Memory and paper and pencil tasks
- Record physical activity levels
- Blood and urine sample
- Muscle tissue sample from your thigh
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test
- Walking-based treadmill test and Measure of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production
You will be compensated for your time and effort as well as travel.
If you are interested in participating in SOMMA, please complete the Participant Form (below) or contact the Research Staff at the University of Pittsburgh.
Phone: 800-872-3653
Email: SOMMASTUDY@pitt.edu