Researchers at West Virginia University are recruiting participants for StrengthenHER, a multiyear research study designed to help women ages 50 to 75 reduce their risk of sarcopenia, the age‑related loss of muscle mass that can affect strength, mobility, and long‑term independence.
StrengthenHER is a 16‑week virtual program that combines evidence‑based resistance training and nutrition education, offering women practical tools to maintain muscle and support healthy aging from the comfort of home.
“Muscle health is foundational to healthy aging, yet many women don’t realize how early muscle loss can begin,” said Melissa Ventura Marra, associate professor of human nutrition and foods in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “StrengthenHER is about giving women the knowledge, skills, and confidence to stay strong well into later life.”
Why StrengthenHER Matters
Sarcopenia affects women at higher rates than men and is associated with increased risk of falls, loss of physical function, and reduced quality of life. Early prevention—through regular strength training and adequate nutrition—has been shown to significantly slow muscle loss and support independence.
“Helping women understand that strength training is not only safe but essential as we age is one of the most empowering messages of this program,” said Marra.
Program Details
The StrengthenHER program includes:
- 8 weeks of on‑demand resistance training videos designed specifically for midlife and older women
- Live weekly Zoom‑based nutrition education sessions focused on protein intake and muscle‑supporting dietary strategies
- 8 weekly follow‑up newsletters reinforcing key messages and skills learned during the program
A National, Research‑Driven Effort
This research is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA‑NIFA) through the Multistate Research Project NE2439. Additional support is provided by the WVU Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the USDA-NIFA Hatch Multistate project under Accession Number 1021322 and Project Number WVA00788.
“This program reflects years of collaborative research focused on translating science into real‑world solutions for women,” said Marra. “By working across states, we can better understand what supports healthy aging in diverse communities.”
How to Participate
Women ages 50 to 75 who are interested in participating in StrengthenHER can learn more by contacting SDSU.strengthenher@sdstate.edu.
Space is limited, and participation will contribute to important research aimed at improving muscle health and independence for women nationwide.
-WVU-
09/24/26