Aging is a process of physiological and functional decline accelerated by a physically inactive lifestyle. Physically inactive older adults are at risk for developing metabolic disease (insulin resistance, glucose intolerance) and loss of muscle mass resulting in a poor quality of life and loss of physical independence. Moreover, aging is associated with poor muscle recovery following physical disuse events like recovery from injury, hospitalization or surgery.

The research projects within the Drummond laboratory hold to two general research themes:

1. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy, regrowth and metabolic function in aging muscle.
2. Utilizing therapeutic tools (nutritional, contractile analogs, pharmacological) to limit muscle and metabolic deficits that occur with physical inactivity while enhancing regrowth in aged muscle.