SOMMA2 Study: Muscle, Mobility, and Aging Research

Posted on Aug 15, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine

SOMMA2: Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging

The goal of SOMMA is to better understand why some people lose muscle strength and mobility as they age and how this leads to difficulties with everyday activities. SOMMA is a national study with over 800 participants, providing opportunities for scientific advancement in understanding aging and the novel use of methods to assess cognitive and physical function. This data aims to develop new approaches for preserving walking ability.

Study Participation

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Commitment: 3 baseline visits, 6-month phone contacts, and annual follow-ups
  • Age: 70 years or older
  • Sex: Male and Female
  • Compensation: Up to $450

Eligibility Criteria

  • Able to attend in-person clinic visits
  • Willing to undergo MRI scan and muscle tissue collection

Study Procedures

  • Vision, physical, and cognitive function tests
  • MRI scan and muscle tissue collection

🦵 🎯 Study Objective

Evaluate how muscle function, mitochondrial health, and mobility are related in adults 70 years and older.

👥 Key Contacts

  • PI: Dr. Bret Goodpaster
  • Medical Investigator: Dr. Tina Thethi
  • Study Coordinator: Chayna Goodjar

✅ Participant Requirements

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age ≥ 70 years
  • Able to walk 4 meters without assistance
  • No contraindications to muscle biopsy or imaging

Exclusion Criteria

  • Significant cognitive impairment
  • Advanced cardiac or renal disease
  • Active cancer

📋 Study Visits

1. Screening & Consent

  • Obtain informed consent
  • Review eligibility

2. Baseline Assessment

  • Labs, physical function testing, biospecimen collection, and imaging

3. Longitudinal Follow-Up

  • Repeat assessments at scheduled intervals

🍽️ Pre-Visit Checklist

  • Confirm 12-hour overnight fast
  • Review current medications
  • Participant must be supine ≥ 15 minutes before blood draw and muscle biopsy

❤️ Vital Signs

  • Collect Blood Pressure and Heart Rate (No temperature required)

🩸 Blood Collection

Important Procedures

  • Draw after participant has been supine for 15 minutes
  • Use correct vacutainer and adapter for each tube
  • CPT Sodium Heparin Tube: Draw using a syringe
  • Transport: All blood specimens must be transported at room temperature

🚽 Urine Collection

  • Fasting urine sample
  • Sterile midstream collection
  • Aliquot per protocol and transport at room temperature

💪 Muscle Biopsy (Vastus Lateralis)

CRU Nursing Support

  • Assist with positioning, vitals, specimen handling, sterile drape setup, lidocaine administration, and tissue collection.

🩹 Post-Biopsy Care

Before discharge, apply ACE wrap, provide printed aftercare instructions, assess the biopsy site, and ensure the participant is stable.

📞 Follow-Up Call

Call the participant 2–3 days after biopsy to assess healing, bleeding, drainage, pain, and signs of infection. Document all findings.

📝 Documentation Reminders

  • Complete all CRFs in black ink
  • Use leading zeros when required

⭐ High-Yield Nursing Pearls

  • Confirm 12-hour fasting status
  • Supine x 15 minutes before labs and biopsy
  • CPT Sodium Heparin tube = draw with syringe
  • ALL specimens stay at room temperature
  • Apply ACE wrap after biopsy
  • Follow-up call in 2–3 days

🚨 5 Key Reminders

  1. Fast 12 hours
  2. Supine 15 minutes
  3. CPT tube = syringe
  4. Room temperature transport
  5. Post-biopsy follow-up call in 2–3 days