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Influence of simulated microgravity on human skeletal muscle architecture and function
N J Reeves1, C N Maganaris, G Ferretti
1Centre for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager Campus, United Kingdom. N.Reeves@mmu.ac.uk
Journal of Gravitational Physiology : a Journal of the International Society for Gravitational Physiology
|March 9, 2004
Summary
Prolonged bed rest significantly reduces plantarflexor force and alters muscle architecture. Exercise countermeasures can partially mitigate these negative effects on muscle function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Muscle Biology
Background:
- Prolonged inactivity, such as bed rest, leads to muscle deconditioning.
- Understanding the impact on plantarflexor muscles is crucial for astronaut and patient health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prolonged bed rest on plantarflexor muscle force and internal architecture.
- To evaluate the efficacy of exercise countermeasures in mitigating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Ten male volunteers underwent 90 days of bed rest.
- Four subjects engaged in exercise countermeasures 2-3 times weekly.
- Muscle force and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architecture were assessed before and after bed rest.
Main Results:
- Significant declines in plantarflexor force were observed in both exercise (-42%) and control (-55%) groups.
- Internal architecture of the GM muscle was significantly altered, with reduced fascicle shortening.
- Exercise countermeasures partially attenuated the loss of muscle force and function.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged bed rest causes substantial loss of plantarflexor muscle force and impairs muscle architecture.
- Exercise countermeasures offer a potential strategy to partially preserve muscle function during extended inactivity.