A new blog has been launched to give members of the public an insight into what is involved in a human research study.

The NUTRIMAL project is an ongoing research study, which is being carried out in University College Dublin (UCD). It is investigating whether a new food-based nutrition supplement can help to slow the loss of muscle and strength that comes with ageing.

Dr Caoileann Murphy, a postdoctoral researcher in UCD, has launched the NUTRIMAL project blog to give people a ‘behind the scenes' look at the project. She is also looking for participants to get involved.

"The purpose is to bring people with us on the journey, from recruiting participants to publishing our findings," she explained.

Dr Murphy noted that conducing a research study ‘is never straightforward and there are plenty of not-so-glamorous aspects people don't think about'.

"For example, when we had to carry 1000 kg worth of study drinks up two flights of stairs because there is no lift in our building," she said.

The blog will include anecdotes, information and photographs showing how the researchers measure muscle mass and strength. There will also be interviews with participants and videos of project presentations.

"This blog may be of interest to prospective NUTRIMAL project participants, anyone thinking about pursuing a career in research, or anyone interested in science, nutrition and healthy ageing," Dr Murphy suggested.

The project aims to find out whether a drink containing both milk protein and fish oil can improve muscle mass and strength in older people who already have low muscle mass and/or strength.

The researchers need 120 adults aged 65 and over and have already enrolled 30.

The participants will be required to drink a nutritional supplement twice a day for six months.

"We measure muscle mass, strength and physical performance (i.e. balance, walking speed, ability to rise from a chair) before the participants start the supplements and again after three months and six months to see if they have improved," Dr Murphy explained.

She noted that beginning in the 40s, people lose around 1% of their muscle every year.

"The loss of muscle mass is accompanied by an even faster loss of strength, which can make daily activities like walking and rising from a chair more difficult. Sarcopenia - the loss of muscle mass and function that occurs with age - is a big problem because it increases the risk of physical disability, falls and hospitalisation.

"It's critical that we identify strategies to preserve muscle in order to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age," Dr Murphy said.

If you are over 65 and interested in taking part in this research, click here

If you would like to learn more about what is involved in a human research study, see the NUTRIMAL blog here