The Clinical Research Core (CRC - Resource Core 1) of the Wake Forest University Older Americans Independence Center (WFU OAIC) provides the critical infrastructure and investigator resources essential to the successful conduct of clinical research focusing on physical function and disability in older adults. The CRC is well-integrated with the other OAIC Resource Cores (Biolmaging, Integrative Biology and Biostatistics Cores). With them, the CRC will support externally funded studies, OAlC-funded Pilot and Research Development Projects, and other externally-funded projects related to the WFU OAIC research theme: Integrating pathways affecting physical function for new approaches to disability treatment and prevention. A high priority for the CRC will be to support clinical trials translating basic research discoveries into human population studies;clinical research targeting sarcopenia and adiposity-related decline in physical function and disability in older adults;and trials of novel interventions related to these risk factors. The CRC will also assist the Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC), the Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC), and the Research Career Development Core (RCDC) in identifying promising new investigators and programs positioned to help to address the mechanisms and prevention of physical disability. The CRC will provide 'turn-key'resources critical for successful clinical research studies, including: 1) expertise related to experimental study design and conduct, including selection of appropriate outcome measures;2) highly efficient and effective participant recruitment 3) a standardized physical function assessment battery;4) procurement (with the Integrative Biology Core) of muscle and adipose tissue and blood samples;5) maintenance (in concert with the Biostatistics Core) of a uniform outcomes database;6) assisting junior investigators with IRB and other regulatory filings (in concert with the PESC and RCDC). In the present cycle, provision of these key resources has been integral to our timely completion of clinical studies, publication of results, competition for new independently-funded grant awards, and development of new investigators.
The Wake Forest OAIC Clinical Research Core provides research support (assessment tools, staff, space, recruitment support, etc.) for scientists interested in developing new understanding about the causes and prevention of older adults'loss of ability to live independently in their communities.
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