Exercise: It Does the Muscles Good

Physical activity plays an important role in muscle health, and therapists understand a successful treatment plan is one that matches the appropriate level of exercise with the specific needs and abilities of each patient. Results of a recent University of Illinois study may provide even further proof of the link between exercise and muscle health, offering a glimpse into the future of rehabilitative care.

In an analysis involving muscle tissue in mice, a team of researchers determined that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in skeletal muscle respond positively to exercise—which could lead to the development of new therapy techniques to treat muscle injuries as well as prevent age-related muscle loss.

“Since exercise can induce some injury as part of the remodeling process following mechanical strain, we wondered if MSC accumulation was a natural response to exercise and whether these cells contributed to the beneficial regeneration and growth process that occurs post-exercise,” said the study’s lead author Marni Boppart, a kinesiology and community health professor.

Indeed, evidence from the study revealed an accumulation of MSCs in the muscle tissue following vigorous exercise. This led researchers to conclude that while MSCs do not contribute directly to the building of new muscle, they release growth factors that stimulate the process by which new muscle is generated. Further research is planned to determine whether age-related decline in MSCs contribute to a decline in overall muscle mass.

Studies like this one highlight the link between physical activity and muscle health and may help therapists—especially those working with older patients—develop the most beneficial plan of care. With the growing population of elderly adults in America, therapists need to be aware of techniques that maximize client mobility and lead to optimal patient outcomes.

Successful rehabilitation begins with education! Stay abreast of the latest advancements in therapeutic care and treatment with our comprehensive CE course library for therapy professionals.

To learn more about depression, screening methods, and the effects of depressive symptoms on patient recovery, view our comprehensive continuing education course library.

We are the leaders in providing interactive, online continuing education to the long-term healthcare industry. Our success is built on four key underpinnings.

Click here for more information on Care2Learn.