What does this study involve?

The participant will initially be asked to participate in up to 4 sessions of testing that will take up to 3 hours each session. Before each participant comes in for the first (introductory/screening) session, they will complete a health history questionnaire and phone screening to check they are eligible for the study. The following sessions (sessions 2-4) will be at least 48 hours, and up to 1 week apart. If the participant qualifies, there is an opportunity for them to participate in an additional exercise training study. This will include 8 weeks of exercise training (3 times/week), additional experimental testing sessions after the exercise training program as well as an MRI scan of their lower leg before and after training to quantify the size of their leg muscles.

• Informed consent.

• DXA body composition scan at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.

• Blood pressure measurement.

• Neuropathy screening at the foot.

• A finger prick blood sample to measure blood sugar.

• Submaximal cycle aerobic fitness test accompanied with a 12 lead ECG.

• Ultrasound measurements of blood vessels in the upper thigh (flow mediated dilation).

  • This includes temporarily occluding blood flow to the lower leg.

• Maximal strength testing of the thigh muscles.

• Electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles to make the muscles contract.

• Fatiguing exercise of the lower limb (thigh muscles) while seated in a Biodex dynamometer.

Participants who are interested and qualify, will be able to participate in a supervised exercise training program of up to 8 weeks in the laboratory and training rooms in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. If the participant currently participates in regular strength and/or power training exercise or has done so on a regular basis in the last 6 months, they will be able to participate in the initial experimental sessions but will not be eligible for the additional exercise training program. 

Participants will receive $45 for each testing session they complete. The number of sessions they attend will be determined at the introductory session depending on if they qualify and desire to participate in additional sessions. If a participant chooses to withdraw from the study at the introductory session or after the introductory session, but before completing session 2, they will not be paid. If they complete at least one of the experimental sessions, they will be paid for the introductory session and the number of experimental sessions they’ve completed.

When a participant completes the 8 weeks of exercise training, they will receive $300 for their time to complete the exercise program and to help cover the cost of traveling. They will also receive an additional $45 for each testing session they complete after the training program. Participants will receive $45 for each MRI session they complete as well.