Research
Our 3 Research Pillars
Pillar 2
Inactivity, Metabolism & Immune Health
Pillar 3
Specialized Research & Collaboration
Pillar 1
Pre-Clinical Studies
Early Life Inactivity & Muscle Quality
This pillar investigates the long-term, programmed effects of physical inactivity during critical developmental periods.
Project 1.1: Early Life Physical Inactivity and Adult Muscle Quality
Goal
To determine how changes in physical activity level during early postnatal growth influence skeletal muscle size/function, structural quality of muscle in adulthood and development of premature aging via accelerated functional decline (frailty? lifespan /healthspan?).
Focus
We have recently discovered a potential mechanism involving extracellular matrix (ECM) alteration that may explain functional changes that occur later in life. This NIH-funded work is focused on characterizing these structural and cellular changes.
Model
Novel mouse models of varying levels of physical inactivity ranging from stress and inactivity (HU) to moderate movement reduction (small-cage model and sedentary cage) to active wheel running mice .
Key Techniques
Mouse welfare and tissue dissection, tissue sectioning, microscopy, muscle image processing and analysis, Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescence (for muscle structure and ECM), gene expression analysis (PCR), metabolic assessment, Muscle functional assessment (grip strength, balance/coordination, aerobic endurance, muscle endurance) In-vivo muscle testing, and behavior testing.
Status: Active NIH R15 Grant (NIAMS)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (PI: Reidy).
Representative Publications: Reidy PT et al. J Appl Physiol, 2023.
Project 2.1: Physical Inactivity, Impaired Glucose Control, and Vascular Health
Goal
To examine how quickly symptoms of metabolic dysfunction (like pre-diabetes) develop following periods of reduced activity (step-reduction model in humans) and how factors like cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity modulate recovery.
Model
Human clinical trial using carefully controlled, time-restricted reduction of daily physical activity.
Key Techniques
Clinical Coordination, Participant Screening, Blood Draws, Sample Collection, Metabolic Measurements.
Status: Active NIH R15 Grant (NHLBI)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (PI: Ballard, Co-PI: Reidy).
Project 2.2: The Longitudinal Effect of Physical Inactivity on Immune Health
Goal
To phenotype immune cells and assess immune system function in response to physical inactivity and recovery, exploring if inflammation links inactivity to metabolic dysfunction.
Model
Human clinical trial (integrated with Project 2.1 participants).
Key Techniques
Blood sample analysis, Flow Cytometry (for immune cell phenotyping), collaboration with Microbiology specialists.
Status: Funded by the Miami University Faculty Research Grants Program (FRGP).
Pillar 2
Pillar 2.1
Pillar 2.2
Clinical Studies
Inactivity, Metabolism & Immune Health
This pillar addresses the rapid, detrimental health effects of reduced physical activity in human subjects and the potential for recovery.
Pillar 3
Specialized Research & Collaboration
This pillar highlights high-profile applied projects and collaborative efforts that broaden the lab’s impact.
Project 3.1: Protein Nutrition, Skeletal Muscle, and Exercise Adaptation
Goal
To challenge and refine the “dogma” of sports nutrition by definitively assessing the optimal protein sources, timing, and quantity required to maximize muscle size and strength gains following various types of exercise.
Focus
Translating evidence from extensive clinical trials and meta-analyses into actionable scientific consensus for the field.
Model
Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and collaboration on comprehensive literature reviews.
Key Contribution
Invited landmark review in the Journal of Nutrition and comprehensive review in progress for Physiological Reviews.
Project 3.2: Applied Rehabilitation and Novel Interventions
Goal
To provide evidence-based solutions for individuals experiencing mobility challenges.
Focus
Assessing the effectiveness of novel assistive devices (e.g., hands-free crutches) on energy expenditure, ease of ambulation, and the preservation of muscle health compared to traditional methods.
Partners
Collaboration with iWalk Corporation; Collaboration on e-bike studies (Dr. Alessio).
