Extra strong!

"Extra strong!" is an exciting and transportable interactive exhibition designed to unravel the mysteries of muscle health, physical activity, and aging. Unlike traditional exhibits, this project will be housed in a mobile container, strategically placed in highly frequented public spaces to reach a diverse audience. Spanning two months with an anticipated 2,500 visitors, "Extra strong!" is a collaborative effort by a diverse team of experts in sports science, molecular biology, communications, and design. The exhibition introduces visitors to the clinical syndrome of sarcopenia the age-associated loss of muscle strength and mass. It will shed light on how muscles change with age, how these changes may impact overall health and the crucial role of physical activity and training in maintaining muscle health. The uniqueness of "Extra strong!" lies in its innovative approach, incorporating interactive elements like fitness tests, real-time age estimation, and immersive experiences. The mobile container, strategically positioned in public places, ensures accessibility for people of all ages and backgrounds. The project will apply a range of communication strategies, thereby catering to a broad audience. The ultimate goal is to inspire healthier lifestyles from early adulthood to senior years. The project will be evaluated through surveys, feedback forms, and online questionnaires, to assess visitors` impressions, knowledge gain, and intentions regarding physical activity. The project, which is set to run for 18 months, will bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding, fostering a culture of proactive health management for individuals of all ages. "Extra strong!" invites everyone to embark on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting that investing in physical activity today can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling tomorrow.

Extra strong! was a science communication project that brought current research on muscle health and ageing directly to the public. Its central message was simple yet far-reaching: muscles are not only essential for movement but play a decisive role in maintaining health, independence, and quality of life throughout ageing. To communicate this idea in an accessible and engaging way, the project team - led by members of the University of Vienna - developed a mobile, interactive exhibition housed in a converted shipping container. The interdisciplinary team also included external partners: the managing director of a design studio, who was responsible for the curation and spatial design of the exhibition, and Bildwerk Media OG, who conceived and technically realized the interactive infoscreen and software that formed the digital core of the experience. The exhibition was presented in two public locations in Vienna: first on the Campus Altes AKH, and later near the Centre for Sport Science and University Sports (Auf der Schmelz). These central and highly frequented sites attracted a wide audience ranging from students and university staff to families, passers-by, and older adults. At the heart of the exhibition stood the Muscle Health & Crosstalk Educational Interface, an interactive software tool that allowed visitors to measure their handgrip strength and instantly compare their results to age- and sex-specific reference data. From there, users could explore the physiological roles of skeletal muscle and its communication with other organ systems through an intuitive, touch-based interface. By zooming in on organs such as the brain, immune system, or adipose tissue, visitors learned how physical training supports overall health and slows functional decline. Complementing the digital experience were simple physical fitness tests and take-home information materials summarizing key insights and practical recommendations for maintaining strength and mobility. The interactive and participatory nature of the exhibition combined scientific accuracy with playful discovery, allowing visitors to experience science in a tangible way. The project received very positive feedback from both visitors and the media. Many participants expressed surprise at how strongly muscle health influences not only mobility but also metabolism, immunity, and even mental well-being. Voll stark! thus succeeded in translating complex research findings into personally relevant, memorable experiences that foster awareness and motivation for lifelong physical activity. The exhibition materials and software remain available and will be used in future outreach activities such as open days, the Kinderuni, and adult education programmes, ensuring that the project's key message - strengthening muscles means strengthening life - continues to reach the public.