Southampton researchers are advancing a handheld device to measure muscle health.

Sarcopenia causes a loss of muscle mass and function in older age. As it progresses, people can become weak, frail and lose their independence.

Researchers in our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) are looking at how a smartphone-sized device, called MyotonPRO, could benefit patients. It has previously been used on astronauts.

Paul Muckelt is driving the project forward. He shares his journey to date and what he hopes to achieve through a one-year BRC Postdoctoral Bridging Fellowship.

How did you become interested in research?

I became interested in research while I was doing my degree. The more I learned, the more I realised there was so much I didn’t know. I had lots of questions that I wanted to find answers to. I also decided that I wanted to work in healthcare so I could help make a difference.

During my master’s degree, I had an internship at the University of Southampton (UoS) and got the chance to work on several PhD projects. I successfully applied for a position at the university when it came up, launching my career in research. I have been working at UoS for six years now and involved with the BRC for nearly a year.

My research projects to date range from muscle properties in astronauts to the association between number of co-morbidities and the health of patients with arthritis. I’ve also investigated injury prevention in Royal Navy recruits and physical function in older golfers.

What is the healthcare challenge that you are seeking to address?

I am looking to expand our understanding of the mechanisms of sarcopenia. Specifically, I am looking at how we can monitor changes in muscle non-invasively - without having to go into the muscle - and quickly in routine care.

Sarcopenia affects between 5-13% of people aged 60 and over. This rises to between 11-50% of those above 80. This is a growing problem - with an ageing population, the condition is only going to become more prevalent.

What do you hope to achieve in your research at the BRC?

As part of my fellowship, I am examining the feasibility of using the MyotonPRO device and muscle ultrasound to monitor changes in muscle properties. We’re also investigating how patients and clinicians view these devices to understand their potential in real-world settings.

Our plan is to launch a larger study to assess mechanisms of sarcopenia, which will include MRI and muscle biopsies. The hope is that these measurements can be used in routine clinical care and inform interventions to prevent muscle wastage in hospital settings.

How would you sum up your fellowship in three words?

Non-invasive muscle measurements

What's it like being an early career researcher in Southampton?

I am enjoying working alongside NHS clinicians to introduce new technology and develop my understanding of specific diseases.

The pace of life can be variable but flexible at times. Data collection can be quite intense and nearing deadlines can put the pressure on, but I feel well-supported by the team at UoS and within the BRC. I know I have people I can turn to for help or to bounce ideas off.

What advice would you give other early career researchers?

My advice is to find an area which interests you; pushing forward can become uninteresting otherwise.

Secondly, it is important to find a good team and strong mentors who will help you develop as a researcher. There is so much to learn beyond the subject matter.

And finally, always say yes to good opportunities – even if you’re unsure how you’ll make it work. You can always figure it out later.