Dr. Vandenborne’s work presents a multidisciplinary, integrated research approach to study muscle degeneration/regeneration from a pathophysiological level to functional impairment. The specific objectives of her program are to: 1) develop novel noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skeletal muscle, 2) investigate the ability to enhance muscle function using modalities ranging from gene transfer, to exercise training and pharmacological treatment (hormonal supplement), and 3) examine the physiological process(es) essential to the repair of skeletal muscle and return of functional ability. Her current funded projects focus on the pathophysiology of muscle atrophy and muscle regeneration after limb disuse and the use of viral mediated gene transfer of IGF-I to enhance muscle rehabilitation.