Research

Dr. Adami research focuses on the mechanisms of muscle dysfunction in chronic diseases; metabolic responses to different stimuli like exercise and simulated microgravity; physical activity and performance. She is particularly interested in skeletal muscle oxygen delivery and utilization, and in understanding the mechanisms limiting them in health and disease. Her research mission is to use exercise both as a research tool to investigate integrative physiological health, and as an intervention to improve health and quality-of-life of the wider population.

Ongoing Projects

  • Multimorbidity sub phenotypes and effects on post-intensive care physical impairments. Supported by the National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS), PI Dr. Maya Cohen and Dr. Alessandra Adami – starting August 2025
  • Determining the hindering effects of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) on muscle oxygen diffusion capacity using a novel, non-invasive methodology. Supported by the 2025-2026 URI Faculty Career Enhancement Grant, PI Dr. Adami – starting August 2025
  • Determinations of 5 years progression of muscle dysfunction and inactivity in COPDGene participants (R01HL151452) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NHLBI – in collaboration with Dr. Rossiter and Dr. Casaburi at The Lundquist at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA
  • Muscle Responsiveness in Lung Disease Patients Referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation – in collaboration with the Pulmonary Rehab Center at the Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI
  • Muscle oxygen diffusion by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in young and middle-age individuals
  • Evaluation of free-living daily physical activity, and sleep behaviors, in smokers with and without COPD, and PRISm
  • Using non-invasive NIRS technology to measure muscle oxidative capacity in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – in collaboration with Pulmonary Hypertension Center at Brown University, Providence, RI
  • Evaluation of maximal exercise performance in young individuals born pre-term, with and without neurological impairment – a collaboration with Dr. D’Agata, URI College of Nursing

Closed Projects

  • Non-invasive evaluation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity in lower limb muscles in children with motor deficits (cerebral palsy) – in collaboration with Dr. Bertucco (UniVR, IT) and Dr. Porcelli (UniPV, IT)
  • Changes in physical activity and quality-of-life induced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in smokers with and without COPD