Elderly with Mobility Limitations Projects
Paul LaStayo, PT, PhD has orchestrated the efforts of large teams of individuals interested in countering the muscle impairments and associated functional deficits in elderly individuals with mobility limitations. During his post doctoral experience at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, funded in part by The Foundation for Physical Therapy and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), he initiated a successful trial of resistance exercise via negative eccentric work (RENEW) with his colleague Stan Lindstedt, PhD , in a sarcopenic, high fall-risk elderly population. Following that positive experience, Dr LaStayo has expanded the clinical application of RENEW to other elderly populations with impaired mobility.
Research Focus
Eccentric "lengthening contractions" have two unique attributes that may make this mode of muscle use ideal for rehabilitation purposes, especially for those considered exercise-limited. First, a muscle can produce much more force during a lengthening contraction than during an isometric or shortening one. Second, the amount of energy required per unit force developed is much less. Taken together, these are ideal characteristics for individuals who may be exercise intolerant, yet are in need of a countermeasure to mitigate muscle wasting or an intervention to build muscle mass. With a goal of mitigating sarcopenia and its functional sequelae, we are exploring the structural, functional and whole body performance changes as well as the neurologic and anabolic adaptations that result from RENEW.
Current Projects
Dr. LaStayo has formulated interdisciplinary research teams that presently are exploring the impact of RENEW on the quadriceps muscle and its effect on mobility in elderly individuals with: COPD, CHF, Parkinson's disease, knee joint replacements, high risks for falling, and those who have survived cancer. These various federally-funded (R01, R21 and R15) projects are supported by the NIA and National Cancer Institute (NCI) The specific aims of these projects are similar in that the effects of 12 weeks of RENEW are compared to traditional management techniques relative to: 1) muscle size (assessed via MR imaging and biopsied muscle fiber samples), 2) muscle strength and power (assessed with dynamometers and kinetic/kinematic variables), 3) mobility (measured via a battery of performance tests) and 4) quality of life (determined via questionnaires and exit interviews). Dr. LaStayo and his team are interested in identifying the relationships between these variables and the potential mechanisms underlying change. Molecular, metabolic and mechanical engineered tools support these endeavors.
Collaborators
Robin L. Marcus, PT, PhD, OCS
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
University of Utah
Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
University of Utah
Stan Lindstedt, PhD
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Arizona University
Don McClain, MD, PhD
Department of Internal Medicine
University of Utah
Kathi Mooney, PhD, RN
Ginnette Pepper, PhD, RN, FAAP
College of Nursing
University of Utah
Christopher Peters, MD
Department of Orthopedic
University of Utah
View Dr. LaStayo's N.I.H. biosketch
