Research Example: Figured above is a study that used RAD140, a selective androgen receptor modulator, with the goals of attenuating strength loss and enhancing strength recovery after eccentric contraction-induced injuries in young and aged mice.
Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
What We Do
We aim to elucidate the neuromuscular mechanisms of skeletal muscle weakness caused by aging and muscle myopathies by using mouse models that mimic/replicate frailty, muscular dystrophies, or alcohol-related myopathy. Central to this work is to determine why skeletal muscle from these specific populations may be less stress resistant, resilient, and adaptable. Moreover, how loss of these stress responses impact muscle function. Overall, we seek to improve function and health span in frail and myopathic skeletal muscle through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts.
Research Areas
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Adaptations to Exercise Training
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Contraction-Induced Strength Loss in Dystrophic Muscle
Research Example: Figured above is a study that used several different dystrophic mouse strains to determine if maintenance of plasmalemmal excitability immediately after a bout of eccentric contractions is dependent on dystrophin expression/content.
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Chronic Alcohol-Related Myopathy
Research Example: Figured above is a study that examined whether (and how) chronic ethanol consumption reduces the muscleās strength-producing capacity using a controlled in vivo preclinical mouse model of alcohol-related tissue dysfunction.
How We Do It
We use various physiological techniques and equipment to assess muscular function in mice that includes a rotarod, treadmill, running wheels, grip strength meter, and in vivo and ex vivo muscle contractility testing. In parallel to these functional measures, the Baumann laboratory measures stress responsivity in models and conditions of muscular dystrophy, disuse atrophy, aging, hormone regulation, fatigue, and various injuries (e.g., eccentric contractions, chemical-induced).
Who We Are
The Baumann Lab is excited about skeletal muscle physiology and love to learn more about how it works and adapts. We value an environment that promotes positivity and growth.
News + Updates
Baumann Lab
September 16, 2025
Full House in the Baumann Lab
September 16, 2025
Full House in the Baumann Lab
An exciting day in the Baumann Lab, collaborating with OSU colleagues Michael Tranter, Onur Kanisicak, and our outstanding teams.
April 16, 2025
Highly Viewed Paper!
April 16, 2025
Highly Viewed Paper!
Work from the Baumann Lab, published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, has ranked within the top 10% of most-viewed papers published by the journal in 2023.
February 06, 2025
Dempster Receives Pilot Grant
February 06, 2025
Dempster Receives Pilot Grant
Congratulations to Gage Dempster for receiving the Heritage College Office of Research and Grants (ORG) Research Seed Funding Grant for his project on the impact of alcohol on the gut microbiome and permeability. Gage is a second-year medical student and a member of the Baumann Lab.
Our Funding Sources
Looking for Motivated Individuals
Please Contact Dr. Baumann (baumann@ohio.edu)
Join the Skeletal Muscle Function and Physiology Laboratory
Interested in joining the laboratory? We are always seeking highly talented, extremely motivated, and serious scientists to join on team. For doctoral and post-doctoral trainees, the expectation is a demonstrated track record of success and prior formal training in biology, physiology (including exercise physiology), neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
We have similar expectations for undergraduate students, and undergraduate students are expected to be available for at least 10 hours/week for a minimum of one full year. For more information, contact Professor Baumann at baumann@ohio.edu.