Michael Harris-Love PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA

Research

Research Profile

Funded/In Review Grant Activity  

Ongoing Support

IK2RX003423 J. Gollie, PhD (PI) 2020 – 2025
VA Career Development Award (DC VAMC; CDA-2; VA/ORD/RR&D; funded, $951,625)
Objective and Subjective Measures of Fatigability in Veterans with Chronic Kidney Disease Before and After Flywheel Resistance Plus Aerobic Exercise
The purpose of this project is to: 1) advance our understanding of performance fatigability and perceived fatigability, and the association with neuromuscular capacity in Veterans with CKD stage 3 & 4 predialysis and 2) determine the extent to which combination flywheel resistance exercise plus aerobic exercise training can improve fatigability status, neuromuscular capacity, and physical function.
Role: Co-Mentor

VA CARES Act  M. Harris-Love, DSc (PD) 2020 – 2021
VHA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers (VHA/RMR VAMC/ECHS GRECC; funded, $295,000)
Detection of Strength Deficits During Telerehabilitation Using Low-Cost Smartphone Medical Diagnostics
The purpose of this project is to implement a low-cost smartphone grip strength and rapid questionnaire self-assessment to identify Veterans with secondary sarcopenia due to COVID-19 and chronic conditions. Positive test findings will initiate a full assessment for rehabilitative intervention to prevent disablement associated with musculoskeletal deficits. The short-term goal is to effectively identify Veterans at risk for disability secondary to muscle impairments due to COVID-19 and chronic conditions to facilitate timely and appropriate care while reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The long-term goal is to overcome the limitations of the physical exam during telerehabilitation visits to enhance the care of all Veterans who receive virtual patient care due to pandemic conditions or rural access gaps.
Role: Project Director

PM&R Pilot Grant  A. Smith, PhD (PI) 2020 – 2021
CU Anschutz School of Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research Pilot Grant (CU AMC/ PM&R; funded, $25,000)
Machine Learning to Quantify Muscle Changes, Lean Body Mass, and Function in Obese Adults  
The purpose of this study is to develop a machine-learning model to automatically calculate muscle cross sectional area, rapidly estimate lean body mass and intramuscular fat, and predict the functional status of obese adults.
Role: Co-Mentor/Co-Investigator 

IRX001854A M. Harris-Love, DSc (PI) 2015 – 2020
Cost extension 2020 – 2021
VA HBCU Research Scientist Training Program (DC VAMC/Howard University; VA/ORD/RR&D; funded, $1,248,233)
Detection and Treatment of Sarcopenia and Myosteatosis in Older African Americans
The research objectives of this grant are to: 1) validate a rapid, portable, cost-effective, sonographic method for screening myosteatosis and sarcopenia that may be suitable for ambulatory and non-ambulatory older adults, 2) determine if accounting for myosteatosis improves the sarcopenia diagnostic model in African Americans, and 3) develop a novel approach to progressive resistance exercise involving eccentric muscle actions that will counter the effects of myosteatosis and sarcopenia.
Role: Principal Investigator

38 U.S.C. 7406 M. Harris-Love, DSc (Co-PI) 2013 – 2020
VA Office of Academic Affairs – VA Advanced Fellowships Program (VA/ORD/RR&D-OAA; funded, $1,596,896)
Interprofessional Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Research Fellowship. This fellowship is intended to develop clinicians and scientists with the vision, knowledge, and commitment to lead polytrauma and TBI efforts throughout the VA and the nation. Specifically, we have targeted doctorally-trained physical therapists for in-depth training in advanced clinical care and clinical research in polytrauma, TBI, and related disorders. Career development is fostered through formal mentorship, didactic training at Georgetown University, and 75% protected time for research and training.
Role: Co-Project Director, faculty/mentor, principal grant authorship and curricular development

TL1TR001431 D. Pennington, PhD (Trainee) 2017 – 2019
NIH/NCATS, The Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science Consortium (NIH CTSA; funded, $97,000)
Determining the association of body adiposity distribution with focal measures of myosteatosis in African American men. The purpose of this TL1 project was to determine the influence of major fat depots on the expression of focal myosteatosis estimates in older African American men.
Role: Co-Mentor and Laboratory Co-Supervisor

Completed Support

UL1TR000101 M. Harris-Love, DSc (PI) 2017 – 2018
PTCS Program, Georgetown-Howard Universities CTSA Consortium (NIH CTSA; funded, $37,600)
Mobile Muscle Health: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Screening African Americans with CKD
A transdisciplinary project regarding mobile muscle imaging for Veterans with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Study collaborators include clinicians and bioengineers from Howard University, SF VAMC, and MIT.
Role: Principal Investigator

AM-251 12-11-2015 M. Harris-Love, DSc (Co-PI) 2016 – 2017
VA Innovators Network, Spark-Spread-Seed Award (VA/VACI; funded, $46,000)
The QUALITY Vets Project
A joint initiative by the DC VAMC and the SF VAMC which promotes the assessment of musculoskeletal health among Veterans with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Key study objectives of this VA Center for Innovation-supported project include identifying Veterans with CKD at risk for incident mobility limitations, and determining a pragmatic strategy to integrate sarcopenia screening into the baseline assessment.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator; Site Lead Investigator

VISN 5 Pilot Research Grant M. Harris-Love, DSc (PI) 2014
VHA/VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5; VA Station: 688; funded, $30,000)
Creating a Model of Proactive Geriatric Care within VISN 5: Screening for Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction at the Washington DC VA Medical Center
The overall goal of this project is to better understand the relationship among sonographic estimates of muscle size and muscle tissue composition with metabolic dysfunction.
Role: Principal Investigator

UL1TR000075 M. Harris-Love, DSc (Co-PI) 2014
CTSI-CN (GW/Children’s National) – Innovative Strategies and Services Voucher Award (NIH CTSA; funded, $10,000)
Sarcopenia Screening: Development of a Feedback-Augmented, Portable, Ultrasound Prototype
The grant will support the design and fabrication of a 2nd generation prototype ultrasound stabilization arm with gyrosopes and force-sensitive resistors to enhance the utility and reliability of the measurement technique via computer-assisted feedback.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator

B2056RA (Supplement) P. Lum, PhD (PI) 2008
Supplemental Equipment Grant – VA Merit Award (VA/ORD/RR&D; funded, $115,000)
Extension of the MIME Robotic System for Stroke Rehabilitation
The purpose of this grant was to obtain a state-of-the-art motion analysis system to be a shared resource for rehabilitation research at the DC VAMC. The equipment supports ongoing research and enables new studies involving restoration of motor function after neuromuscular injuries.
Role: Co-Investigator

07-E-0012 L. Rider, MD (PI) 2007 – 2011
NIH/NIEHS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Rituximab in the Treatment of Refractory Adult and Juvenile Dermatomyositis (DM) and Adult Polymyositis (PM)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the drug rituximab in people with DM and PM. Secondary outcomes include quantitative strength assessment.
Role: Associate Investigator

05-N-0245 K. Fischbeck, MD (PI) 2005 – 2008
NIH/NINDS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Idebenone Administered to Patients with Friedreich Ataxia
The investigators determined the safety and efficacy of idebenone in reducing the level of oxidants that are believed to damage the nervous system and heart in patients with Friedreich ataxia.
Role: Associate Investigator

05-HG-0236 W. Gahl, MD, PhD (PI) 2005 – 2006
NIH/ NHGRI (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Pilot Study of the Use of Intravenous Immune Globulin in Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy
The investigators evaluated the effects of immune globulin (IG) treatment on muscle and muscle function in people with hereditary inclusion body myopathy.
Role: Key Personnel

94-E-0165 F. Miller, PhD (PI) 2003 – 2010
NIH/ NIEHS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Studies in the Natural History and Pathogenesis of Childhood-Onset and Adult-Onset Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiology of childhood-onset myositis and the medical complications resulting from the associated immune system dysfunction. Secondary aims included understanding the relationship between muscle characteristics as measured by diagnostic ultrasound and peak muscle power generation.
Role: Associate Investigator

04-N-0133 M. Dalakas, MD (PI) 2003 – 2007
NIH/NINDS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Alemtuzumab to Treat Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis
The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a T cell-depleting monoclonal antibody on white blood cells featuring the CD52 surface protein.
Role: Associate Investigator

02-N-0121 M. Dalakas, MD (PI) 2003 – 2010
NIH/NINDS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Immune Dysregulation and Inclusion Body Myositis
The goals of this interdisciplinary natural history study were to better understand specific mechanisms of autoimmune dysregulation and factors influencing rehabilitation outcomes.
Role: Associate Investigator

02-AR-0156 P. Plotz, MD (PI) 2002 – 2010
NIH/NIAMS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Infliximab In Patients With Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis
Infliximab blocks the effects of tumor necrosis factor on the inflammation cascade associated with many diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine if infliximab (Remicade) is safe and effective for the treatment of dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Secondary outcomes include objective muscle fatigue and timed tests of function.
Role: Associate Investigator

94-CC-0130B M. Harris-Love, MPT (PI) 2001 – 2002
NIH/CC/RMD (funded via NIH Clinical Center)
Pilot Protocol – Validity of the Anaerobic Endurance Test
Development of a functional test battery to assess muscle capacity of individuals with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
Role: Principal Investigator

94-CC-0130A M. Harris-Love, MPT (PI) 2000 – 2003
NIH/CC/RMD (funded via NIH Clinical Center)
Pilot Protocol – Reliability of Isometric Fatigue Testing Using the Biodex System 2 Dynamometer
Development of a functional test battery to assess muscle capacity of individuals with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
Role: Principal Investigator

87-N-0110 L. Cohen, MD (PI) 2000 – 2002
NIH/NINDS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Anaerobic Fatigue
Examination of the central and peripheral contributions to anaerobic fatigue during an upper extremity task.
Role: Associate Investigator

00-AR-0117 P. Plotz, MD (PI) 2000 – 2001
NIH/NIAMS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Phase II Trial of Anti-C5 Antibody for Patients with Myositis
This was a randomized, third-party, placebo-controlled pilot study of h5G1.1-mAb, an antibody directed at the complement component C5, administered to patients with dermatomyositis with persistent disease.
Role: Associate Investigator

94-CC-0130 G. Chi-Fishman, PhD (PI) 2000
NIH/Clinical Center (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Ultrasound Assessment of Chronic Post-Exercise Muscle Morphology - A Pilot Study
The investigators explored the responsiveness of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound associated with the post-exercise changes in biceps brachii following acute bouts of resistance training.

95-AR-0139 P. Plotz, MD (PI) 1999 – 2003
NIH/NIAMS (funded via NIH Intramural Research Program)
Efficacy of Methimazole in Patients with Myositis
This open label pilot study assessed the activity of methimazole (MMI), a down-regulator of MHC Class I transcription used in treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), on the tissue expression of HLA class I and its efficacy as measured by serum muscle enzyme levels and manual muscle testing in up to twenty patients with dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis (PM)..
Role: Key Personnel

AZ/NASA Space Grant M. Harris (Trainee)/S. Lindstedt, PhD (Supervisor) 1994 – 1995
Arizona/National Aeronautics Space Administration Grant ($5,000, funded)
The Effects of Respiratory Muscle Progressive Resistance Exercise on Ventilatory Capacity
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of targeted respiratory muscle strengthening on maximum oxygen uptake in recreational cyclists.
Role: Trainee

IBN 9317527 M. Harris (Trainee)/S. Lindstedt, PhD (Supervisor) 1993 – 1994
National Science Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates Grant ($5,000, funded)
Pulmonary Physiology Research Training
The purpose of this training program was to provide laboratory experience and training opportunities for undergraduate students.
Role: Trainee