CORE--PILOT/EXPLORATORY STUDIES CORE

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core of the OAIC will develop key information to select and design original and independently funded studies that would focus on 1) elucidating the mechanisms involved in the development of sarcopenia, physical function decline, and physical disability and 2) evaluating the efficacy of interventions to prevent or delay the onset of these debilitating conditions. We will solicit and select promising innovative pilot and exploratory studies that address the OAIC research theme. As in other OAIC Cores, an independent review advisory panel will evaluate and select promising projects to be funded by the OAIC Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core. After selecting the most promising and innovative pilot and exploratory studies, the Core will facilitate the planning and implementation of these studies by ensuring the availability of optimal infrastructure, environment, funding, expertise, and instrumentation. Core leaders will monitor study progress, assist in the analysis and interpretation of results, and provide guidance in translating pilot data into high quality and original research study proposals that will compete successfully for independent extramural funding. The provision of funds for pilot and exploratory study will foster junior investigators' efforts to develop research careers in aging. The Core will promote these efforts by providing opportunities for investigator participation in well-designed research studies and by collecting preliminary data that would serve as the basis for independent research applications. Involvement in these studies will additionally allow investigators who are more experienced in the field of aging research to gather and analyze data, thereby expanding and broadening their research perspectives and expertise. Finally, the Core will encourage and guide experienced investigators from other research fields to direct their efforts towards understanding the mechanisms involved in age-related disability, and to devise and test potential interventions that may prevent this composite condition. This will broaden the pool of diverse and talented investigators who contribute to advances in understanding and preventing sarcopenia and disability. In its first year, the OAIC Pilot/Exploratory Studies Core proposes to fund two exploratory studies and five pilot studies. All pilot and exploratory studies address the Common OAIC theme ("a muscular approach to disability and its prevention").