Detection and Treatment of Sarcopenia and Myosteatosis in Older African Americans

The rationale for this study is the need to proactively address health disparities associated
with age-related skeletal muscle dysfunction. Age-related changes in muscle may be
characterized by sarcopenia (i.e., loss of muscle mass) and/or myosteatosis (i.e., excessive
intramuscular adipose tissue). These changes may result in physical impairments that may be
exacerbated by the lack of a formal screening and diagnosis process for older adults in
standard healthcare settings. Myosteatosis may compound the effects of sarcopenia and play a
significant role the age-related functional decline and higher incidence of type 2 diabetes
observed in African Americans in comparison to other ethnic/racial groups. The initial phase
of the study will involve the assessment of older African Americans (n = 70) to characterize
muscle size and quality in comparison to a younger reference group (n = 70). Participants
randomly selected from the older subject pool will be assigned to either the Eccentric
Exercise Group or the Concentric Exercise Group for 12 weeks of a supervised strengthening
exercise regimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

- An African American adult.

- Between 18 and 30 years of age, or between 65 and 85 years of age.

- Able to independently walk at home and in your community (use of an assistive device
like a cane or a walker is acceptable).

Exclusion Criteria:

- Uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular disease.

- A Body Mass Index of 32.5 or above may be an exclusion criterion if the X-ray
technician determines that dimensions of the scanning bed are not adequate for a
reliable examination.

- A musculoskeletal condition that would stop you from performing the physical
assessment tests.

- Muscle weakness due to neurological disease or injury (such as stroke or spinal cord
injury).

- Moderate to severe sepsis (blood infection) or edema (such as swelling of a limb).

- Been hospitalized over the last three months.

- History of a broken arm or leg bone because of osteoporosis.