The Trajectories of Neuromuscular Aging (TRAJECTOR-AGE Clinical Trial): Study Rationale and Methodological Protocol

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Pub Date : 2025-07-12 DOI:10.1111/jgs.70005

Fulvio Lauretani, Marcello Maggio, Andrea M. Pilotto, Massimiliano Ansaldo, Clarissa M. Brusco, Marco Carbonaro, Caterina Amendola, Marco Nabacino, Crescenzo Testa, Andrea Ciuni, Nicola Sverzellati, Irene Zucchini, Marco Salvi, Alfonso Mastropietro, Rebecca Re, Alberto Botter, Martino V. Franchi, Simone Porcelli

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the structural, metabolic, and functional trajectories of neuromuscular decline in aging and identify key mechanisms and early biomarkers to guide interventions preserving function and independence.

Design

The TRAJECTOR-AGE project is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study conducted over 2 years across multiple centers in Italy.

Setting and Participants

Community-dwelling, physically and cognitively healthy middle-aged (50–60 years) and older (> 70 years) adults are recruited. Individuals with significant comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, neurological disorders, severe heart failure) are excluded.

Measurements

Participants undergo comprehensive clinical and physiological evaluations every 6 months, including assessments of geriatric status, body composition, cardiovascular function, and neuromuscular performance. Imaging includes periodic quadriceps ultrasound and annual multiparametric MRI to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration. Biological samples (blood, urine and Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy) are collected yearly to evaluate inflammatory, metabolic, and neuromuscular biomarkers.

Expected Results

By integrating clinical, functional, and molecular data over time, the TRAJECTOR-AGE study aims to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuromuscular decline, capture inter-individual variability, and explore the influence of habitual physical activity on aging trajectories.

Conclusions

This multidimensional approach may enable earlier identification of individuals at risk for functional decline and inform the development of targeted preventive or therapeutic interventions to promote independence and healthy aging.

Abstract Image

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神经肌肉衰老的轨迹（轨迹-年龄临床试验）：研究的基本原理和方法方案。

目的：研究衰老过程中神经肌肉衰退的结构、代谢和功能轨迹，确定关键机制和早期生物标志物，以指导保护功能和独立性的干预措施。设计：trajectory - age项目是一项前瞻性纵向队列研究，在意大利多个中心进行了2年多的研究。环境和参与者：招募居住在社区、身体和认知健康的中年（50-60岁）和老年人（50- 70岁）。排除有显著合并症（如糖尿病、神经系统疾病、严重心力衰竭）的患者。测量：参与者每6个月进行一次全面的临床和生理评估，包括老年状态、身体组成、心血管功能和神经肌肉表现的评估。影像学包括定期股四头肌超声和每年多参数MRI评估肌肉体积和脂肪浸润。每年收集生物样本（血液、尿液和股外侧肌活检）以评估炎症、代谢和神经肌肉生物标志物。预期结果：通过整合临床、功能和分子数据，trajectory - age研究旨在阐明神经肌肉衰退的病理生理机制，捕捉个体间差异，并探索习惯性体育活动对衰老轨迹的影响。结论：这种多维度的方法可以更早地识别有功能衰退风险的个体，并为制定有针对性的预防或治疗干预措施提供信息，以促进独立和健康老龄化。

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来源期刊

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 医学-老年医学

CiteScore

10.00

自引率

6.30%

发文量

504

审稿时长

3-6 weeks

期刊介绍： Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) is the go-to journal for clinical aging research. We provide a diverse, interprofessional community of healthcare professionals with the latest insights on geriatrics education, clinical practice, and public policy—all supporting the high-quality, person-centered care essential to our well-being as we age. Since the publication of our first edition in 1953, JAGS has remained one of the oldest and most impactful journals dedicated exclusively to gerontology and geriatrics.