{"id":110845,"date":"2026-09-18T14:51:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T14:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/?p=110845"},"modified":"2026-09-28T14:49:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T14:49:22","slug":"new-strengthenher-study-aims-to-help-women-50-75-build-strength-and-preserve-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2026\/09\/new-strengthenher-study-aims-to-help-women-50-75-build-strength-and-preserve-independence\/","title":{"rendered":"New StrengthenHER study aims to help women 50\u201375 build strength and preserve independence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KINGSTON, R.I. \u2013 Sept. 18, 2026 \u2013 Researchers at the University of Rhode Island are recruiting Rhode Island participants for StrengthenHER, a multi-year national research study launching in October, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. The program\u2019s first cohort begins Oct. 15<\/strong>, so interested participants are encouraged to register now.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The program features eight weeks of on-demand resistance training videos designed specifically for midlife and older women, filmed by a crew from URI\u2019s Harrington School of Communication and Media.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cMuscle health is foundational to healthy aging, yet many women don\u2019t realize how early muscle loss can begin,\u201d said Professor Matthew Delmonico<\/a>, chair of URI\u2019s Department of Kinesiology. \u201cStrengthenHER is about giving women the knowledge, skills, and confidence to stay strong well into later life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why StrengthenHER matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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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\u2014through regular strength training and adequate nutrition\u2014has been shown to significantly slow muscle loss and support independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHelping women understand that strength training is not only safe but essential as we age is one of the most empowering messages of this program,\u201d said Furong Xu<\/a>, professor of health and physical education in URI\u2019s Feinstein College of Education<\/a>, who is leading URI\u2019s research team, which also includes Delmonico and Ingrid Lofgren<\/a>, professor of nutrition in the College of Health Sciences<\/a>. The three have collaborated frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

URI\u2019s team is recruiting Rhode Island women for the project, a multi-state research collaboration involving seven research teams, also in Arkansas, Iowa, New York, South Dakota, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The StrengthenHER program includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n