Nutritional status of men under hypokinesia

Hypokinesia (diminished muscular activity) elicits substantial changes in energy and nutritional requirements in humans. The objective of this investigation was to determine the nutritional status of six physically healthy men aged 19 to 21 years under 95 days of hypokinesia without the use of any preventive measures. For the simulation of the hypokinetic effect the men were placed under 95 days of an ad libitum bed rest regimen. During the background period, that is, prior to exposure to hypokinesia, the caloric value of the diet was 3124 kcal per day; under hypokinesia, the caloric value was 2745 kcal per day. In calculating the nutritional requirements of men under hypokinesia, several biochemical parameters were measured. Effects of hypokinesia demonstrated included certain changes in the enzymatic activity of glands; increased excretion of nitrogenous compounds in the urine; increased blood cholesterol content; changes in the amount of blood sugar; changes in acid-base balance; increased elimination of fluid, calcium, and phosphorus; impaired supply of vitamins to the organism; and increased energy expenditure. It was concluded that the nutritional status of men underwent substantial changes under conditions of diminished muscular activity.