Ben F. Hurley , Ph.D.

Professor

Exercise Physiology

Losses of muscular strength, muscle mass and muscle quality with age, known as sarcopenia, are associated with an increased risk of falls, hip fractures, and glucose intolerance and a decline in bone mineral density and resting metabolic rate. These changes can predispose the elderly to an increased risk for a variety of diseases and disabilities. Therefore, strength training may serve as an ideal intervention against these negative consequences of sarcopenia.

Areas of Interest:

My research interests consist of the effects of aging and exercise training on risk factors for age-related diseases and disability, with emphasis on the effects of age, gender and genetics on health-related responses to strength training.