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Risk Factors of Age Related Bone Loss - 9/1/07 - 08/31/12
Continuation of the NIH-funded project (4th cycle)
Douglas P. Kiel, M.D., Principal Investigator
National Institutes of Health
The long-term objective of this grant is to better define risk factors for age-related bone loss and fractures. For the past 15 years, this research program has focused on three specific themes; 1) fracture epidemiology using our established Framingham Fracture Registry, 2) the genetics of bone traits, using phenotypes derived from traditional DXA-BMD and from hip and spine QCT; 3) the influence of dietary factors on the skeleton, including the interaction between genes, diet and other environmental factors on bone density. This is the fourth 5-year continuation of this project examining lifestyle and genetic factors for bone loss and fracture. Dr. Hannan oversees the fracture aim and aims involving dietary factors contributing to bone loss.
Unraveling Musculoskeletal Pleiotropy Using Genome-Wide Association - 7/1/2009- 6/31/2011
NIH/NIAMS
David Karasik, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
In response to PAR #08-123 "Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Existing Data Sets for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases" The objective of the proposed project is to discern genetic factors contributing to two phenotypes that play an important role in the determination of bone strength. Our specific aims are: To perform genome-wide association analyses for DXA-derived cross-sectional bone geometry and muscle mass in the lower extremity in the Framingham Study Original and Offspring Cohorts, and then to identify chromosomal regions/ candidate genes shared by bone geometry and leg muscle mass; To replicate association findings in other Caucasian samples with the same (or similar) phenotypes, to select candidate regions for the follow-up; To explore gene-by-gene and gene-by-environment interaction on the bone geometry/leg muscle interface.
Foot Disorders, Pain and Physical Disability in Elders - 07/01/08-06/31/12
NIH/NIAMS
Marian T. Hannan, D.Sc., Principal Investigator
Examine the relation of foot pressure measures between different age groups and ethnic groups in men and women from two population-based cohorts (Framingham Study and Johnston County Study), including center for pressure excursion index that indicates dynamic measures of pronation and supination, as well as peak load in specific regions of the foot; examine these foot pressure measures for relation to specific foot disorders, foot pain, and ankle, knee and hip joint pain; examine these foot pressure measures for relation to lower extremity function, physical performance measures, muscle mass and leg muscle strength; examine the longitudinal determination of risk factors that will predict incident foot disorders over time. This study will provide new and important information about the role of foot biomechanics and disorders upon lower extremity function in men and women.
Foot Disorders and Falls in a Population-Based Cohort - 09/01/05 - 07/31/10
National Institutes of Health
Marian T. Hannan, D.Sc., Principal Investigator
To examine the impact of specific foot disorders upon falls and further to evaluate whether balance or gait affect this relationship. We will link a comprehensive assessment of foot disorders to observed falls over a two-year follow-up, as well as to the observed physical performance, balance and gait measures that might modify the relation. Our three specific aims of this project will examine the longitudinal relations between 1) foot disorders and falls, 2) foot disorders and falls considering a pathway via poor balance, 3) foot disorders and falls considering a pathway via impaired gait, as well as a secondary aim exploring the relationship between footwear and falls. It is significant to examine intervening variables, or mediators, as they may clarify the nature of the relation between foot disorders and falls, and also since they are potential targets for future interventions.
Low Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation to Improve BMD - 09/01/06-06/30/10
NIH-NIA
Douglas P. Kiel, M.D., M.P.H., Principal Investigator
The treatment options for osteoporosis, a major health complication in the aged population, are limited to pharmacologic interventions, the majority of which are antiresorptive. In this application, we propose to evaluate the efficacy of a unique, biomechanically based treatment for bone loss: low magnitude mechanical stimulation. For this study, we have assembled a collaboration of internationally known experts in osteoporosis involving older persons, together with a respected and experienced coordinating center. Based on strong preliminary data, this study will provide new and important information about the role of low magnitude, high frequency mechanical stimulation on the skeleton.
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