Aging,Gender, and Steadiness of Muscle Contractions

描述（由申请人提供）：申请人，布赖恩L。Tracy是一名生理学家，目前获得NIA的个人国家研究服务奖。Tracy博士在神经肌肉功能和适应领域的学术工作记录，重点是衰老。他的职业目标是开发一个独立的研究项目，其使命是研究：1）衰老对神经肌肉功能的影响; 2）旨在改善老年人肌肉功能和功能表现的干预措施。为了实现这一目标，特雷西博士将提出基于假设的研究问题，以获得资金进行实验，并支持研究生和博士后研究员。指导研究科学家发展奖将提供必要的培训，以实现这些目标。 职业发展/培训计划：培训计划包括三个要素：1）研究技能的实质性扩展; 2）定期参加期刊俱乐部、系列研讨会和科学会议; 3）与申办者以及在拟议研究和职业计划的各个方面具有专业知识的资深研究者和教职员工经常进行有组织的互动。 研究计划：该项目的总体目标是确定解释以下现象的生理机制：1）老年人膝伸肌收缩稳定性降低; 2）稳定性下降的性别差异。一般的假设是，增加运动单位的大小和变异性的放电率解释差异的稳定性，由于年龄，但效果是男性更大。这些结果将提供有关神经肌肉机制的信息，解释神经肌肉老化的一个重要功能方面。 环境：培训计划的环境在以前的审查中被描述为非常好。主办方：Roger M. Enoka博士，是国际公认的资深研究员和经验丰富的导师在老化和神经控制与资金雄厚的实验室。申办者、主办部门以及与其他杰出的、受资助的研究者的互动将提供丰富的支持性环境，这将大大促进候选人的职业发展。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The applicant, Brian L. Tracy, is a physiologist who is currently supported by an individual National Research Service Award from NIA. Dr. Tracy has developed a record of scholarly work in the area of neuromuscular function and adaptation, with a focus on aging. His career goal is to develop an independent research program with a mission to study: 1) the effects of aging on neuromuscular function; and 2) interventions designed to improve muscle function and functional performance in older adults. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Tracy will propose hypothesis-based research questions to obtain funding to conduct experiments and to support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The Mentored Research Scientist Development Award will provide the training necessary to accomplish these goals. Career Development/Training Plan: The training plan comprises three elements: 1) A substantial broadening of research skills; 2) regular participation in journal clubs, seminar series, and scientific meetings; and 3) frequent organized interactions with the Sponsor and established senior investigators and faculty members with expertise in all aspects of the proposed research and career plan. Research Plan: The overall aim of the project is to determine the physiological mechanisms that explain: 1) the reduced steadiness of contractions with knee extensor muscles in older adults; and 2) sex-based differences in the decline in steadiness. The general hypothesis is that increased motor unit size and variability of discharge rate explain differences in steadiness due to age, but that the effect is greater in men. These results will provide information on neuromuscular mechanisms that explain a functionally important aspect of neuromuscular aging. Environment: The environment for the training program was described in the previous review as excellent. The Sponsor, Roger M. Enoka, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized senior investigator and experienced mentor in aging and neural control with a well-funded laboratory. The Sponsor, host department, and interactions with other prominent, funded investigators will provide a rich, supportive environment that will substantially enhance the career development of the candidate.