Investigating Loss of Neuromuscular Junction Transmission Fidelity in Older Adults

Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by age-related loss of muscle mass and function. Factors affecting the strength of muscle contraction independent of mass, such as neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission, are increasingly suspected as important contributors to the development of age-related physical disability. The group of investigators leading the current study, have recently demonstrated NMJ transmission deficits in aged mice, but whether this translates in older human individuals is not known The primary aim is to assess whether clinically meaningfull muscle weakness is associated with NMJ transmission deficits in older human individuals with clinically meaningfull muscle weakness. The secondary aim is to assess whether NMJ transmission deficits correlate with different measures of functional capacity to inform future trials of the most appropriate choice of tests.