Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOMMA?
SOMMA is short for the Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging. It is a university research study that is taking place at 2 research clinical centers at the University of Pittsburgh and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. This project is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
What is the goal of SOMMA?
The main purpose of SOMMA is to understand how the muscle changes as we age. We hope that this research project will help us understand why some people develop problems walking as they get older.
Who is able to participate in this study?
SOMMA is open to men and women, aged 70 years or older who meet the eligibility criteria. You do not need to have mobility impairment or disability to participate.
How many people will take part in the study?
Approximately 875 men and women at the two research clinical centers will take part in this study. The research clinical centers at University of Pittsburgh and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are seeking about 438 participants each.
If I am eligible for the study, what will I have to do?
If you are eligible and decide to participate in SOMMA, we will ask you to complete several examinations within the first month and then return at least one time a year for three years, with phone calls between visits.
You will be asked questions regarding your general medical history, medications, diet history, mood, depression, quality of life, tobacco and alcohol use, pain and perceived fatigue. Additionally, we will examine your ability to complete physical tests as well as memory and paper and pencil tasks. We will also record your physical activity levels as part of SOMMA.
We will also be collecting a blood and urine sample as well as very small amounts of muscle tissue from your thigh. We may also collect fat tissue from your belly. These are quick procedures that will be conducted by medical personnel and will be used to examine their biological qualities. You will also be asked to have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test that will give us more information about muscle size and where muscle and fat are located within your body. We will also measure your muscle function in the MRI machine while you are moving your leg. SOMMA will also include a walking-based treadmill test and a measure of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
This study will not involve taking any medications or changing your eating, exercise or daily habits.
How long will I be in the study?
You will be in the study for a little over 3 years, although you can stop participating at any time.
Will I be compensated for participating?
Yes. You will be compensated for your time and effort as well as travel.
Are there any potential risks if I decided to participant in SOMMA?
Many measures you will be asked to complete as part of SOMMA have little to no risk involved. However, there are some risks involved. These risks will be reviewed with you in detail before we get your approval to enroll you in SOMMA.
What are the benefits if I am part of SOMMA?
There are no direct benefits of participation in this study. You will receive results from some of your clinic tests. In addition, the information we collect in this study will be valuable to further research on physical health and aging. We hope the information learned from this study will benefit other people in the future.
How can I tell if I qualify to be a SOMMA participant?