Healthy aging is the main focus of the research in the Cardiometabolic Mechanisms Laboratory. We use both acute exercise and chronic exercise interventions in translational research studies to determine mechanisms by which the risk for aging-associated may be reduced in older adults. Our lab employs state of the art techniques with both in vivo and ex vivo assessments to connect outcomes and mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-body level in older adults.
Currently-Funded Research:
UM-ADAPT: University of Maryland Aging Diversity and Professional Training
Dr. Prior co-directs this award funded by the National Institutes of Health with a goal of training undergraduate students who choose careers in aging-related biomedical/behavioral research. The project aims to a) provide quality mentoring, b) enhance research skills and experience, c) enhance the practice of ethical scientific research, and d) prepare trainees for graduate school and a research career.
TERRAPINS Study: Testing Exercise Responses Reflecting Allostatic Profile in Veterans
This study is funded by the War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) at the Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The goal of this project is to use models of accelerated aging to assess a variety of physiological systems in Veterans with high vs. low history of military service-related toxic exposures with the goal of establishing a panel of variables and biomarkers that reflect allostatic load. Furthermore, the study will relate these measures of allostatic load to clinically and physiologically relevant neuromotor, biomechanical, vascular, and functional outcomes relevant for human health and aging.
GeroCog: Relationship of exercise frequency, intensity, and fitness to improved cognition and biomarkers in Gerofit participants
This research conducted at the Baltimore VA Medical Center is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the relationship between physical function improvements from participation in the Gerofit exercise program and cognition in older Veterans. The study also tests the the predictive power of blood and skeletal muscle biomarkers in determining the physical and cognitive effects of exercise training.
News & Awards:
