Research Center: University of Utah Health Sciences Center
Location: 421 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Lead Researcher: Dr. Micah Drummond
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the IRB at the University of Utah

Passionate about maintaining your vitality and independence as you age? This study might be the perfect fit for you. Researchers from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center are shedding light on the potential benefits of Metformin which may include speeding up recovery time and general muscle health.

Metformin may hold the promise of enhancing muscle health, potentially enabling individuals to bounce back and thrive after setbacks. Keep reading to see if you are eligible to help researchers find ways to maintain strength and mobility among the aging population.

• Participants will be compensated $3000 once they complete the study Participants may experience improvements in muscle health.
• Participants may receive Metformin, a medication used to improve the recovery of muscle health and function, at no cost. They will be randomly assigned to receive either the study medication or a placebo.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that will benefit those recovering from periods of inactivity due to surgery, illness, rehab, or injury.

• Healthy men and women aged 60+ who can walk without assistance and are in an independent living setting
• Must be willing to abstain from smoking or vaping for the duration of the study
• Must not have a family or personal history of blood clots/blood clotting disorders (ex. thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli)
• Must not be currently taking any blood thinning treatments (e.g., Coumadin or Heparin)
• Must not have any implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers, electronic infusion pumps, stimulators)
• Must not currently be on a weight-loss diet or taking weight loss medication
• Must be able to attend study visits at the research site over approximately 1 month

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Study visits will take place on weekday mornings and last 1-3 hours.
• Tests during visits: blood draw, muscle biopsy, MRI of lower legs, and strength test of legs. For 2 weeks, participants will immobilize left leg by:
  • Wearing a leg brace on the left leg (remove for shower and sleeping). Use crutches or walker for mobility.
  • Avoid any weight-bearing on the left leg for the 2-week period.
  • No exercise for first 2 weeks, then may resume activities
• Participants may drive and continue with light daily tasks, provided they do not put weight on their left leg for 2 weeks.
• After 2-week leg immobilization period, leg brace will be discontinued and participants will take Metformin or Placebo each day for 2-week recovery period.
• Participants will be asked to wear a step activity monitor to track physical activity levels throughout the study. They will also complete a 3-day dietary record before the leg immobilization begins.
• Participants will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form, with an explanation of experimental procedures, risks, and benefits provided prior to eligibility screening. Medical screening will be conducted to verify eligibility. Once eligible, participants will be enrolled in the study.

University of Utah Health Sciences Center
University of Utah Health is the only university health care system in the state of Utah and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. It is also the training ground for most of Utah’s physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, and for the next generation of researchers and scientists.