Influence of simulated microgravity on human skeletal muscle architecture and function.
Ten male volunteers underwent a period of prolonged bed rest. Four subjects performed exercise countermeasures 2-3 times per week, while 6 subjects received no countermeasures. After bed rest plantarflexor force declined significantly (P < 0.001) in both exercise (-42%) and control (-55%) groups. The internal architecture of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle was significantly altered. This was associated with a reduction in fascicle shortening during isometric contraction. Exercise countermeasures partially mitigated the loss of muscle force and function following 90 days of bed rest.
Centre for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager Campus, United Kingdom. N.Reeves@mmu.ac.uk
N J
NJ
Reeves
C N
CN
Maganaris
G
G
Ferretti
M V
MV
Narici