RAD140, a selective androgen receptor modulator, tested to reduce strength loss and enhance recovery after eccentric contraction–induced injuries in young and aged mice.
Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
What We Do
The overall goal of the Baumann Laboratory is to identify sites and mechanisms that increase the stress buffering capacity of the neuromuscular system. These mechanisms can be targeted to improve skeletal muscle function and extend health span in aging, frail, and myopathic populations.
We focus on elucidating the neuromuscular mechanisms of skeletal muscle weakness caused by aging and muscle myopathies. Using mouse models that mimic or replicate frailty, muscular dystrophies, and alcohol-related myopathy, we investigate why skeletal muscle from these populations is often less stress resistant, resilient, and adaptable — and how the loss of these stress responses ultimately impacts muscle function.
Our mission is to improve functionality and health span in frail and myopathic skeletal muscle through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts.
How We Do It
The Baumann Laboratory employs advanced physiological techniques to assess muscular function in mice, including:
- Rotarod
- Treadmill
- Running wheels
- Grip strength meter
- In vivo and ex vivo muscle contractility testing
In parallel, we measure stress responsivity in models and conditions of:
- Muscular dystrophy
- Disuse atrophy
- Aging
- Hormone regulation
- Fatigue
- Injury models (eccentric contraction, BaClâ‚‚-induced, cardiotoxin-induced)
Research Areas
-
Adaptations to Exercise Training
-
Contraction-Induced Strength Loss in Dystrophic Muscle
Comparative work in dystrophic mouse strains to determine if plasmalemmal excitability after eccentric contractions depends on dystrophin expression/content.
-
Chronic Alcohol-Related Myopathy
Preclinical models used to investigate how chronic ethanol consumption diminishes skeletal muscle’s strength-producing capacity.
Our Funding Sources
Join the Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
Interested in joining the laboratory? We are always seeking highly talented, extremely motivated, and serious scientists to join on team. For doctoral and post-doctoral trainees, the expectation is a demonstrated track record of success and prior formal training in biology, physiology (including exercise physiology), neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
We have similar expectations for undergraduate students, and undergraduate students are expected to be available for at least 10 hours/week for a minimum of one full year. For more information, contact Professor Baumann at baumann@ohio.edu.