Older men needed for study to improve health

Feb. 28, 2007 -- School of Medicine investigators are expanding an ongoing study of the effects of combining exercise training with hormone therapy to improve physical function and quality of life in men 65 years of age and older.

The study began as an intervention focused on men with hip fractures, but the researchers now are including older men who have lost strength for other reasons — lack of exercise, joint replacement surgery, back surgery or immobilization — causing difficulty or slowness with daily activities. The study will determine if these problems can be reversed with exercise and daily testosterone treatments.

"The program is investigating a combination approach to improve muscle strength, increase bone density and make the men generally less frail," said Ellen F. Binder, M.D., the study's principal investigator and associate professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science.

"The men in our study will be part of a supervised exercise program three times a week and will receive medication to be applied to the skin daily for six months," Binder said.

Participants will be asked for a brief medical history by phone and then scheduled for screening visits. If they choose to participate, they will come to the medical center for scheduled exercise sessions three times weekly and for monthly medical assessments.

All participants will receive free medical evaluations, bone-density testing and dietary consultation. If needed, complimentary transportation to and from study visits and exercise sessions can be provided.

For more information or to volunteer, call Bridget Blaes or Linda Walters at 286-2716.