The CHAIN Study

The CHAIN Study looks to investigate the chronic effect of physical activity and inactivity.

Life expectancy has been increasing for the last 150 years, but the maintenance of health has not kept pace with increased lifespan and, on average, UK adults spend the last decade of life in poor-health. Persistent physical inactivity is thought to be a key factor contributing to the risk of poor health and physical decline occurring in middle-aged and older adults. However, the biological mechanisms causing the health issues which develop with long term sedentariness are poorly understood.

This study aims to understand the effects of physical activity and inactivity on body functioning across a six-month period. Before and at several points during the intervention period, participants will be asked to make some measurements at home and attend the University of Nottingham to have multiple assessments made. These include fitness, muscle strength and function tests, computer-based brain puzzles, and having muscle and fat tissue biopsies, bloods taken and MRI scans.

If you have any questions or would like an informal visit to the David Greenfield Human Physiology Unit to help understand the CHAIN study further, please get in touch with us using the 'Contact us' button.

Our Partners

Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre

Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council