MRI: Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

iDXA仪器的收购将使研究人员能够检查有可能影响健康行为改变的基本行为因素（饮食习惯，体力活动和久坐行为），从而改善与慢性疾病相关的关键生理标志物（身体成分和骨密度）。iDXA使用X射线技术区分体内组织，提供骨密度（总骨密度、股骨颈、腰椎）、特定部位体脂和瘦肌肉质量以及体脂类型（皮下或内脏）的测量。研究人员将使用iDXA进行新的饮食模式治疗试验（例如植物来源的高蛋白），以支持骨骼健康，增加瘦体重，减少特定部位的肥胖。项目还将包括对照试验，以检查创新策略（例如使用商业活动监测器和站立式办公桌），以增加身体活动和减少久坐行为，并检查这些干预措施对内脏脂肪和瘦肌肉质量的影响。此外，针对服务不足的当地小企业的工作场所健康计划还将包括使用iDXA来测量生理变化并鼓励行为改变。研究人员还将研究力量训练对糖尿病周围神经病变患者的瘦肌肉质量和平衡的影响。总而言之，iDXA的使用将使一支训练有素的研究团队能够有效地解决健康行为研究中至关重要的结果。该研究机构在本科生研究方面享有全国公认的领导地位，主办了第一届全国本科生研究会议（NCUR），并将于2016年主办30周年NCUR会议。 每年至少有七名本科生研究人员将接受使用iDXA进行合作研究的培训，研究结果将通过在科学期刊上发表在国际上传播，并通过NC健康与健康中心和Osher终身学习研究所的报告传播到北卡罗来纳州社区。

The acquisition of the iDXA instrument will enable researchers to examine basic behavioral factors which have the potential to effect health behavior change (dietary habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) and thereby, improve key physiological markers (body composition and bone density) related to chronic disease. The iDXA uses x-ray technology to differentiate between tissues in the body which provides measures of bone density (total, neck of femur, lumbar spine), site-specific body fat and lean muscle mass, and type of body fat (subcutaneous or visceral). Researchers will use the iDXA for trials of novel dietary pattern treatments (e.g. those high in protein from plant sources) to support bone health, increase lean mass, and reduce site-specific adiposity. Projects will also include controlled trials to examine innovative strategies (e.g. using commercially-available activity monitors and standing desks) to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior and examine the impact of these interventions on visceral body fat and lean muscle mass. Furthermore, worksite wellness programs targeting underserved, local small businesses will also include the use of the iDXA to measure physiological changes and to encourage behavior change. Researchers will also examine the impact of strength training on lean muscle mass and balance among individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In sum, access to the iDXA will allow a highly trained team of researchers to effectively address critically important outcomes with research into health behavior.The investigators' institution is nationally recognized for leadership in Undergraduate Research, hosting the first National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and set to host the 30th Anniversary NCUR conference in 2016. At least seven undergraduate researchers will be trained yearly on use of the iDXA for collaborative research, and findings will be disseminated internationally through publication in scientific journals and to North Carolina communities through reports from the NC Center for Health and Wellness and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.