URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking repository at the Indiana University Indianapolis is revolutionizing musculoskeletal research by providing essential physical function data to medical researchers worldwide. Launched in 2017, the Function, Imaging and Testing (FIT) Core has already recruited and tested over 5,000 individuals, offering invaluable insights into bone and muscle health.
The FIT Core is a crucial component of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, designed specifically to generate data on both healthy individuals and those suffering from diseases. This pioneering initiative allows researchers to expedite their studies and significantly reduce costs by utilizing existing data from the FIT Core, rather than recruiting new subjects.
Dr. Stuart Warden, Director of the FIT Core and Chancellor’s Professor in the IU Physical Therapy program, stated, “We’ve created normative data that has led to the publication of five reference databases, including groundbreaking normative data on muscle density using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT).” This significant advancement was published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.
Participants in the FIT Core undergo a series of simple assessments, such as a six-minute walk test, balance exercises, walking speed tests, and grip strength evaluations. Data is collected from individuals aged 5 to 100, regardless of their health status, ensuring a diverse dataset that reflects a wide range of physical abilities.
The repository’s data is linked to electronic medical records, allowing researchers to access specific datasets related to particular diseases or medications. Blood samples collected from participants are stored in the Indiana Biobank, further enhancing the resource’s utility for ongoing research.
Currently, up to 50 researchers from the U.S. and beyond are leveraging the FIT Core in their studies, which cover various health conditions, including breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, and more. Dr. Warden emphasized the importance of this resource, stating, “Before the FIT Core, many researchers wouldn’t have considered including physical function and bone health outcomes in their research due to a lack of available data.”
The FIT Core not only elevates the profile of physical therapy in the research community but also emphasizes the importance of understanding how diseases affect physical capabilities in everyday life. As Dr. Warden noted, “This resource encourages investigators to study physiological and metabolic outcomes alongside physical function.”
As the FIT Core continues to expand its reach and impact, researchers are now more equipped than ever to explore the intricate relationships between health conditions and physical function. This development is a game-changer for the global medical research community, paving the way for enhanced patient care and understanding of musculoskeletal health.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as researchers continue to unlock the potential of the FIT Core for future health advancements.
