The overarching aim of my research is to determine the neuromuscular mechanisms that mediate acute adjustments (e.g., muscle fatigue) and chronic adaptations (e.g., cast immobilization, exercise) in response to physical activity and under pathological conditions. The goal of this work is to develop effective and implementable interventions that increase muscle function and physical performance in patients with orthopedic and neurologic disabilities for preventative and rehabilitation medicine. Specifically, my laboratories programmatic efforts are currently focused in three integrated areas. Below I briefly present the current and short-term work of each of these research arms, along with a brief statement to the broader, long-term vision of this work.

1. Neural adaptations to immobilization: My current work in this area is evaluating the global hypothesis that the immobilization-induced reduction in excitatory input from the muscle spindle Ia sensory fibers is the primary influence of the neural adaptations and strength loss. In the long-term, the results of this work will facilitate the determination of physiological mechanisms responsible for immobilization-induced adaptations in neuromuscular function, develop effective interventions to eliminate them, and promote a quicker restoration of functional capacity following clinically required periods of immobilization.

2. Age and sex differences in muscle function: My current work in this area is evaluating the global hypotheses of: 1) older adults with idiopathic fatigue exhibit greater localized muscle fatigue due to decreased skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity; and 2) women restore voluntary muscle strength at a slower rate than men due to a slower rate of muscle re-growth following immobilization. In the long-term, the results of my work on age and sex differences in muscle function will help to develop targeted, therapeutic strategies to promote muscle function and physical performance according to age and biological sex.

3. Blood flow restricted exercise to promote muscle function in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: My current work in this area is evaluating the global hypothesis that low-intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise training increases muscle strength, muscle mass and physical function in elderly individuals with osteoarthritis. In the long-term, this work will attempt to develop an innovative rehabilitation strategy that promotes muscle function with low levels of mechanical stress which would advance numerous biomedical fields including rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics.