Muscle Performance and Physical Function Core
Overview
The Muscle Performance and Physical Function Core (MPPFc) at Mayo Clinic is a specialized facility providing valid and reliable measures of muscle performance, physical function and mobility to clinical researchers.
Specific aims of the MPPFc include:
- Objectively and reliably measure fundamental aspects of human performance in conditions of health, aging, and disease
- Provide a focal point for interdisciplinary collaboration in the development, evaluation, and application of new and existing instruments to assess muscle impairments, functional limitations, and disability in humans
- Provide consulting services in the areas of muscle impairments (strength, power, and fatigue), performance-based measures of physical functioning, and self-reported measures of physical functioning and disability
The core serves to support Mayo investigators examining the impact of association of traits (e.g., genetic variation, clinical characteristics, diseases and behaviors) and/or interventions (e.g., drugs, devices, therapies, procedures and behavior modifications) on muscle performance and physical function.
Services and equipment
The facility is able to conduct a wide range of standardized state-of-the-art technologies to assess:
- Muscle performance: Strength, power and fatigue
- Physical function and mobility
- Level of physical activity
The MPPFc also offers a mobile testing component as part its platform. Specifically, a subset of tests are available that can be administered within the hospital, outpatient clinic and the community.
View available tests
Accessing the core
Mayo Clinic and external investigators interested in using the MPPFc should contact Nathan LeBrasseur, Ph.D., director or Brian Kotajarvi, manager.
Core staff members are available to assist investigators with study design and selection of appropriate measurement tools for their research.
Fees
Contact Brian Kotajarvi, core manager, at 507-538-0403 about fees.
Location and hours
The MPPFc is located in the Clinical Research Unit on Charlton 7. Core staff are generally available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contacts
Nathan LeBrasseur, Ph.D.
Director
507-284-5500
Brian Kotajarvi
Manager
507-538-0403
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