Does Menopause Accentuate Stroke-Induced Muscle Weakness?
Examining the combined effects of menopause and stroke on skeletal-muscle weakness in a rat model
This 2026 undergraduate summer research project examined whether menopause accentuates stroke-induced skeletal-muscle weakness in a rat model. The work was led by John Al-Rachid through a Biomedical Engineering–Kinesiology Summer Research Studentship.
Research Focus
Stroke can disrupt the neural signals that activate skeletal muscle, contributing to weakness and impaired movement. Menopause introduces additional physiological changes that may influence skeletal-muscle structure and function. This project brought those two research contexts together by asking whether menopause changes the extent of muscle weakness following stroke.
The project contributes to a broader collaborative research program investigating how neurological injury, biological aging, and skeletal-muscle physiology interact.
Student Support
John received a $7,500 Biomedical Engineering–Kinesiology Summer Research Studentship in 2026 to conduct this work.
Research Team
- John Al-Rachid — Summer research student
- Nicole A. Conquergood
- Dr. Venus Joumaa
- Dr. Robert John Holash
- Dr. Walter Herzog
- Dr. Stephanie A. Ross
Dissemination
John presented the project at two University of Calgary summer research events:
- McCaig Summer Student Symposium — August 12, 2026
- Biomedical Undergraduate Research Program Summer Student Symposium — August 13, 2026
The project gave John experience working in collaborative muscle-physiology research and communicating the work to multidisciplinary research audiences.