A Study of Physical Resilience and Aging (SPRING): Conceptual framework, rationale, and study design

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Physiology
• Dynamical Systems Theory
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Physical resilience is critical for older adults' well-being when facing clinical stressors.
• The Study of Physical Resilience and Aging (SPRING) investigates the biological basis of resilience.
• Resilience is defined as the capacity to withstand stressors and recover or improve function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel framework for discovering the biological underpinnings of physical resilience in older adults.
• To examine the dynamics of stress response systems (energy metabolism, HPA axis, ANS, innate immunity) in relation to resilience.
• To identify baseline characteristics influencing resilience outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing dynamic stimulation tests to assess key physiological systems.
• Employing deep phenotyping of physical, cognitive, biological, environmental, and psychosocial characteristics.
• Collecting phenotypic and functional measures pre- and post-stressor (up to 12 months) in participants undergoing major medical procedures.

Main Results:

• Hypothesizes that well-regulated stress response systems are key to promoting physical resilience.
• Identifies specific physiological systems and baseline characteristics that impact resilience trajectories.
• Analyzes data from participants undergoing knee replacement, bone marrow transplant, and dialysis initiation.

Conclusions:

• Improved understanding of physical resilience in older adults can enhance outcomes.
• The SPRING study provides a dynamical systems approach to aging and resilience.
• Findings have implications for improving the health and well-being of older adults facing clinical stressors.