IMAT Quality in Aging

This study will test the central hypothesis that fat within the muscle, or intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), exhibits elevated damage and pro-inflammatory signaling with aging, both of which are reduced by progressive resistance exercise (PRE). Sixteen older adults 65-80 years old will be recruited and complete a 12 week calf PRE intervention. Calf muscle strength, composition (measured by computed tomography) and muscle biopsies will be collected before and after the intervention. Histology, transcriptomic and secretomic tests will be completed to assess signs of damage and inflammation.

NCT Number	NCT07506681
Lead Sponsor	Washington University School of Medicine Collaborators: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Conditions	Aging
Enrollment	16 participants
Start Date	2026-04-15
Primary Completion	2028-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-02