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Changes in musculoskeletal structure and function with prolonged bed rest

S A Bloomfield1

  • 1Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843-4243, USA. sbloom@acs.tamu.edu

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|February 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Prolonged bed rest causes significant muscle and bone loss, with muscle strength recoverable but bone density deficits persisting. This increases fracture risk, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Gerontology
  • Exercise Science

Background:

  • Prolonged bed rest leads to substantial muscle and bone deconditioning, particularly in the lower limbs.
  • Understanding these disuse-induced changes is crucial for patient recovery and long-term health.
  • Research models are essential for studying the effects of immobilization and bed rest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review models used to study disuse-induced muscle and bone changes during bed rest.
  • To analyze the reversibility of muscle mass, strength, and bone mineral density decrements.
  • To discuss implications for exercise professionals and at-risk individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research models for bed rest studies.
  • Analysis of data on muscle mass, strength, and bone mineral density changes.

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  • Examination of recovery patterns following periods of immobilization.

    • Main Results:

    • Muscle mass and strength decrease significantly (6-40%) within 4-6 weeks of bed rest.
    • Lost muscle mass and strength are largely recoverable with resistance training post-bed rest.
    • Bone mineral density deficits in the spine, hip, and calcaneus are not fully reversed after 6 months of weight-bearing activity.
    • Bone mass recovery lags behind muscle recovery, increasing long-term fracture risk.

    Conclusions:

    • While muscle function can be restored, persistent bone loss after bed rest poses a significant fracture risk.
    • Individuals with pre-existing low muscle or bone mass, such as the elderly, face heightened risks upon reambulation.
    • Exercise professionals must consider these long-term bone health implications when managing patients undergoing bed rest.