KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 18, 2026 – 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.

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’s first cohort begins Oct. 15, so interested participants are encouraged to register now.

The program features eight weeks of on-demand resistance training videos designed specifically for midlife and older women, filmed by a crew from URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media.

“Muscle health is foundational to healthy aging, yet many women don’t realize how early muscle loss can begin,” said Professor Matthew Delmonico, chair of URI’s Department of Kinesiology. “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 Furong Xu, professor of health and physical education in URI’s Feinstein College of Education, who is leading URI’s research team, which also includes Delmonico and Ingrid Lofgren, professor of nutrition in the College of Health Sciences. The three have collaborated frequently.

URI’s 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.

The StrengthenHER program includes:

• 8 weeks of on demand resistance training videos designed specifically for midlife and older women (the exercise instruction videos were produced at URI by the University’s Harrington School of Communication and Media)
• 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

“This program reflects years of collaborative research focused on translating science into real world solutions for women,” said Lofgren. “By working across states, we can better understand what supports healthy aging in diverse communities.”

The five-year project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Space is limited. Women ages 50 to 75 who are interested in participating in StrengthenHER can learn more and sign up at SDSU.strengthenher@sdstate.edu. For additional questions, contact Xu at fxu2007@uri.edu.