Effects of Use and Disuse on Non-paralyzed and Paralyzed Skeletal Muscles

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is an integral part of the somatic nervous system and plays a primary role in the performance of physical activities. Because physical activity is vital to countering the effects of aging and age related diseases and is a key component in the maintenance of healthy body composition it is important to understand the effects of use and disuse on skeletal muscle. While voluntary muscle activity provides optimal benefits to muscle and the maintenance of healthy body composition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be a viable alternative activity for individuals with paralysis. Body composition with a healthy muscle to fat ratio has been associated with healthy blood lipid and glucose profiles that may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Effects of resistance-guided high intensity interval functional electrical stimulation cycling on an individual with paraplegia: A case report

“…This is important because individuals with acute SCI have been reported to have only 60-65% of the lean mass of their able-bodied counterparts and those with chronic motor complete SCI typically have reductions of 45-80% in skeletal muscle cross sectional area in paralyzed limbs. [19][20][21] Both reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass are considered risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. 22 Body weight and fat mass did increase which may in part be explained by a lack of nutrition counseling or monitoring of caloric intake in the study.…”

Lipid hydroperoxides promote sarcopenia through carbonyl stress

“…Loss of muscle mass and function with age is detrimental to health and quality of life [1, 2]. Sarcopenia, muscle atrophy and weakness with aging, is due to a combination of inactivity, injury, surgery, and biological consequences of aging [3, 4]. A pharmacologic therapy for muscle loss does not exist, and current diet or exercise therapeutic approaches are often ineffective or unfeasible.…”

Lipid hydroperoxides promote sarcopenia through carbonyl stress

“…Loss of muscle mass and function with age is detrimental to health and quality of life ( Evans, 2010 ; Larsson et al, 2019 ). Sarcopenia, muscle atrophy and weakness with aging, is due to a combination of inactivity, injury, surgery, and biological consequences of aging ( Bonaldo and Sandri, 2013 ; Dolbow and Gorgey, 2016 ). A pharmacological therapy for muscle loss does not exist, and current diet or exercise therapeutic approaches are often ineffective or unfeasible.…”