Recovery Of Muscle Function Research Articles

Cryotherapy with carbon dioxide hydrate enhances immediate recovery of muscle function from neuromuscular fatigue

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of cryotherapy with carbon dioxide hydrate (CDH) on fatigue recovery of neuromuscular function and muscle blood circulation. Fourteen young males randomly received three types of 20-min recovery interventions (cryotherapy with CDH [CDH-condition] or normal ice [ICE-condition], or quiet sitting at room temperature [CON-condition]) 5 min following a fatiguing task (50 maximal effort isotonic contractions) on three separate days. The isotonic peak power of the knee extensors at 35 min after the fatiguing task in the CDH-condition (95% of baseline) was greater than that in the other conditions (82–89% of baseline; p ≤ 0.031). In addition, at 25 and 35 min after the fatiguing task, the changes in haemoglobin concentration of the knee extensors from before the fatiguing task in the CON-condition (2.5 and 3.0 μmol/L) were different from those in the ICE-condition (−1.4 and −1.3 μmol/L; p ≤ 0.004) but comparable to those in the CDH-condition (1.1 and 0.7 μmol/L; p ≥ 0.060), respectively. These findings suggest that cryotherapy with CDH did not lower the blood volume following the intervention, unlike that with normal ice, and promoted greater immediate recovery of muscle power from neuromuscular fatigue compared with cryotherapy with ice or passive rest.

Bioelectrical stimulation therapy for muscle injuries in aerobics athletes

This article aims to explore the recovery effect of the bioelectrical stimulation therapy on muscle injuries in aerobics athletes. Non-invasive medical techniques are adopted to activate muscle tissue through electrical currents, promoting muscle contraction ability and functional recovery. This article selects 100 aerobics athletes with muscle injuries through questionnaire surveys and interviews. The Modulo Plus electrical stimulation device is used, and personalized treatment plans are set. Muscle changes before and after treatment are monitored using electromyography and ultrasound technology. In the single-blind experiment, in the fourth week, the pain score of the experimental group decreases to 2.4 points; the functional recovery score increases to 75.2 points; the flexibility measurement reaches 19.2 cm. In the case-control study, the bioelectrical stimulation therapy cures all athletes in the sixth week, exceeding the conventional therapy’s 35 patients, and has a lower recurrence rate. In the cohort study, athletes who use the bioelectrical stimulation therapy for a long time have a shorter average recovery time of 15.3 days and a recurrence rate of 16%. In the muscle recovery experiment, in the eighth week after treatment, the electromyographic activity level of the experimental group increases to 58.6 μV; the muscle thickness increases to 4.3 mm; the echo intensity increases to 63.1 dB; the fatigue characteristic score drops to 2.1. These data indicate that the bioelectrical stimulation therapy has significant effects in reducing pain, promoting functional recovery, improving flexibility, shortening recovery time, and reducing recurrence rates and pain scores, thereby providing an effective treatment option for the recovery of muscle injuries in aerobics athletes.

ClC-1 Inhibition as a Mechanism for Accelerating Skeletal Muscle Recovery After Neuromuscular Block in Rats

Neuromuscular blocking agents are used commonly to induce skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery. While muscle relaxation facilitates surgical procedures and tracheal intubation, adequate recovery of muscle function after surgery is required to support pulmonary function, and even mild residual neuromuscular block increases the risk of severe postoperative pulmonary complications. While recovery of muscle function after surgery involving neuromuscular blocking agents can be monitored and, in addition, be accelerated by use of current antagonists (reversal agents), there is a clear clinical need for a safe drug to antagonize all types of neuromuscular blocking agents. Here, we show that inhibition of the skeletal muscle-specific chloride ion (Cl-) channel, the ClC-1 channel, markedly accelerates recovery of both single contraction (twitch) and, important physiologically, sustained (tetanic) contractions in a rat model mimicking neuromuscular blocking agent-induced muscle block used during surgery. This suggests ClC-1 inhibition as a mechanism for fast and efficacious recovery of neuromuscular function induced by any neuromuscular blocking agents.

A ELETROESTIMULAÇÃO NEUROMUSCULAR COMO FERRAMENTA PARA A PREVENÇÃO E TRATAMENTO DAPOLINEUROPATIA EM PACIENTES CRÍTICOS: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a common issue in critically ill patients, often resulting from prolonged immobility and mechanical ventilation. This study conducted a literature review to evaluate the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as a tool for the prevention and treatment of polyneuropathy in critically ill patients. Eleven studies published between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed, investigating the effects of NMES on muscle function preservation, clinical outcomes, and functional recovery in these patients. The results indicate that NMES can be effective in improving muscle strength and quality of life, although challenges exist in its implementation, such as a lack of knowledge among professionals and heterogeneity in protocols. Standardization of practices and greater training for physiotherapists are essential to maximize the benefits of NMES in ICUs. It is concluded that NMES has significant potential for the recovery of critically ill patients, but further research is needed to define the best application parameters and overcome existing barriers.

Enhanced Myogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells via Integration of 3D Bioprinting and In Situ Shear‐Based Blade Coating

AbstractConventional treatments for volumetric muscle loss (VML) encounter limitations, such as donor site constraints and exploration of tissue engineering methods. Here, the fabrication of human adipose stem cell (hASC)‐laden cell constructs are proposed using a 3D bioprinting technique supported by blade casting. This process induces mechanotransduction to activate stem cell activities, including proliferation and myogenic differentiation. The printing conditions are optimized by assessing the effects of various process parameters on mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Notably, blade‐assisted bioprinting under carefully selected parameters enhanced the in vitro myogenic activity of the fabricated hASC constructs. Moreover, in vivo evaluation in mice with VML defects demonstrate that shear‐induced bioconstructs effectively restored lost functionalities and muscle volume compared to those of normally bioprinted cell constructs. The results show the potential of integrating bioprinting with hASC‐based therapies to enhance muscle regeneration and functional recovery, offering a meaningful platform for future tissue engineering approaches for VML treatment.

Durable Muscle Extracellular Matrix Engineered with Adhesive Phenolic Moieties for Effective Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Muscle Atrophy.

Muscle atrophy detrimentally impacts health and exacerbates physical disability, leading to increased mortality. In particular, sarcopenia, aging-related degenerative muscle loss, necessitates urgent remedies. Current approaches for treating muscle atrophy include exercise and nutrition, while drug exploration remains in its early stages. Cell therapy, focusing on satellite cells, faces significant challenge due to poor engraftment, safety issue, and high cost. Cell-free approach using extracellular matrix (ECM) shows a regenerative potential, but a lack of mechanical and adhesive properties hinders prolonged efficacy of ECM therapy. Here, durable muscle ECM (MEM) hydrogels for muscle atrophy by fortifying MEM with adhesive phenolic moieties including catechol and pyrogallol are demonstrated. The resultant phenolic MEM hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties and provide sustained muscle-like microenvironments to address muscle atrophy. No local and systemic toxicities are observed after phenolic MEM injection into tibialis anterior muscle. Notably, these engineered MEM hydrogels, devoid of cells or drugs, induce tissue rejuvenation by promoting muscle protein synthesis and facilitating functional muscle recovery in mouse models of disuse- and age-induced atrophy. This study introduces cell-free, ECM-based therapeutics with translational potential for muscle atrophy by reversing muscle loss and restoring function.

Fish Oil Supplement Mitigates Muscle Injury In Vivo and In Vitro: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Following injury, older adults exhibit slow recovery of muscle function. Age-related impairment of sarcolemmal membrane repair may contribute to myocyte death, increasing the need for myogenesis and prolonging recovery. Dietary fish oil (FO) is a common nutritional supplement that may alter plasma membrane composition to enhance the response to membrane injury. Methods: We assessed effects of an 8-week dietary intervention on muscle contractile recovery in aged (22 mo.) rats on control (n = 5) or FO (control + 33 g/kg FO (45% eicosapentaenoic acid; 10% docosahexaenoic acid); n = 5) diets 1-week after contusion injury, as well as adult (8 mo., n = 8) rats on the control diet. Results: Recovery was reduced in aged rats on the control diet vs. adults (63 vs. 80%; p = 0.042), while those on the FO diet recovered similarly to (78%) adults. To directly assess sarcolemma injury, C2C12 cells were cultured in media with and without FO (1, 10, and 100 μg/mL; 24 or 48 h) and injured with an infrared laser in medium containing FM4-64 dye as a marker of sarcolemmal injury. FO reduced the area under the FM4-64 fluorescence-time curve at all concentrations after both 24 and 48 h supplementation. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest FO might aid recovery of muscle function following injury in older adults by enhancing membrane resealing and repair.

Optimizing the Preoperative Preparation of Sarcopenic Older People: The Role of Prehabilitation and Nutritional Supplementation before Knee Arthroplasty.

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes in older individuals with sarcopenia. Half of patients suffer from severe associated osteoarthritis requiring orthopedic interventions. Mitigating the onset and progression of sarcopenia before surgery is essential to improve the prognosis and reduce surgical complications. The aim of this research was to innovatively explore whether the preoperative period could be the appropriate timeframe to empower surgical resilience, through prehabilitation and dietary supplementation, in older sarcopenic patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. The current literature concerning the effectiveness of prehabilitation and dietary supplementation before knee arthroplasty in sarcopenic older individuals was reviewed, following the SANRA criteria, between December 2023 and February 2024. The study inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) prehabilitation and/or dietary supplementation interventions; (2) human participants aged 65 years and older; (3) relevant outcome reporting (functional status, postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes); and (4) articles written in English The extracted information included study characteristics, demographics, intervention details, outcomes, and the main findings. Merged prehabilitation and dietary supplementation strategies extrapolated from the current literature and involving strength, resistance, balance, and flexibility training, as well as essential amino acids, iron, vitamin D, adenosine triphosphate, and glucosamine sulphate supplementation, could improve the functional capacity, ability to withstand the upcoming surgical stressors, and postoperative outcomes in older people undergoing knee arthroplasty. Addressing complex links between knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia in older individuals undergoing knee arthroplasty requires a multidimensional approach. Prehabilitation emerges as a crucial preliminary step, allowing the optimization of surgical outcomes. Nutraceutical integration, included in a comprehensive care plan, could have a synergic effect in achieving prehabilitation goals. Those interventions are essential for surgical resilience, in terms of muscle function preservation, recovery acceleration, and overall quality of life enhancement. Intensive collaboration among specialists could advance knowledge and the sharable consensus concerning the critical and evolutive field of perioperative care.

Surface Electromyography and Gait Features in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

An important reason for the poor recovery of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is the poor recovery of muscle function. Therefore, we used surface electromyography (sEMG) and gait analysis to explore the muscle activation patterns and gait characteristics between lower limbs under different exercise states in patients, following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Forty-one adults with unilateral ACL injuries in Binzhou Medical University Hospital from October 2022 to June 2023 were allocated to three groups according to the time after ACL reconstruction: group A (≤3 months, 16), group B (3 months-1 year, 13), and group C (>1 year, 12). Patients were tested by sEMG and gait, while straight leg raising (SLR), walking at normal speed, fast walking, and walking up and down the stairs. Two related sample tests were performed for the normalized root mean square (RMS) values and gait parameters. Muscle function changes varied in different training tasks. The RMS value of the involved side was more than the uninvolved side in biceps femoris and semitendinosus of group A (p < 0.010), and for the bilateral rectus femoris (RS), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis in group B, only the comparison of the RS was significant in group C during fast walking and going up and down the stairs. The ground impact (0.90 [0.63, 1.33] vs. 0.71 [0.43, 1.02], p = 0.035) of the uninvolved side was significantly decreased compared to those of the involved side in patients with ACLR when going down the stairs. Different muscles need to be focused on at different stages of the postoperative period. sEMG and gait analysis can guide the development of a rehabilitation program.

Female Mice Exhibit Faster Muscle Function Recovery After Fibrosis Inducing Injury

Female Mice Exhibit Faster Muscle Function Recovery After Fibrosis Inducing Injury

Inducible and reversible SOD2 knockdown in mouse skeletal muscle drives impaired pyruvate oxidation and reduced metabolic flexibility.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is a key characteristic of aging muscle and contributes to age related diseases such as sarcopenia, frailty, and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondrial oxidative distress has been implicated as a driving factor in these age-related diseases, however whether it is a cause, or a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction remains to be determined. The development of more flexible genetic models is an important tool to test the mechanistic role of mitochondrial oxidative stress on skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction. We characterize a new model of inducible and reversible mitochondrial redox stress using a tetracycline controlled skeletal muscle specific short hairpin RNA targeted to superoxide dismutase 2 (iSOD2). iSOD2 KD and control (CON) animals were administered doxycycline for 3- or 12- weeks and followed for up to 24 weeks and mitochondrial respiration and muscle contraction were measured to define the time course of SOD2 KD and muscle functional changes and recovery. Maximum knockdown of SOD2 protein occurred by 6 weeks and recovered by 24 weeks after DOX treatment. Mitochondrial aconitase activity and maximum mitochondrial respiration declined in KD muscle by 12 weeks and recovered by 24 weeks. There were minimal changes in gene expression between KD and CON muscle. Twelve-week KD showed a small, but significant decrease in muscle fatigue resistance. The primary phenotype was reduced metabolic flexibility characterized by impaired pyruvate driven respiration when other substrates are present. The pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate partially restored pyruvate driven respiration, while the thiol reductant DTT did not. We use a model of inducible and reversible skeletal muscle SOD2 knockdown to demonstrate that elevated matrix superoxide reversibly impairs mitochondrial substrate flexibility characterized by impaired pyruvate oxidation. Despite the bioenergetic effect, the limited change in gene expression suggests that the elevated redox stress in this model is confined to the mitochondrial matrix.

Impact of the orofacial muscular rehabilitation exercise on facial expression recovery post-orthognathic surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of myofunctional rehabilitation of the orofacial muscles through specific exercises on the recovery of facial expression in patients following orthognathic surgery. Material and MethodsThe study included 62 patients who underwent Le Fort I and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). Patients were divided into two groups: the first group started immediate post-operative myofunctional rehabilitation of the orofacial muscles through specific exercises. In contrast, patients in Group II did not undergo any myofunctional rehabilitation post-operative exercises. The recovery of facial expressions postoperatively was evaluated in both calm and smiling states by comparing the differences between 3D facial scanning data of chosen facial anatomical structures collected at five key time points: pre-surgery (D0), 2 days (D2), 14 days (D14), 1 month (D30), and 3 months (D90) postoperatively. ResultsThe analysis revealed that characteristic angles and lengths experienced significant changes post-surgery, with ∠chRnchL and ∠chRsnchL decreasing at D2 and normalizing by D30 in the experimental group, while the control group showed a slower recovery, normalizing by D90. The ChL-R length decreased at D2, returning to normal by D30 in the experimental group and D90 in the control group. The height Li-Ls increased at D2 and normalized by D30 in calm and smiling expressions across single and double jaw surgery patients. These findings underscore the more rapid recovery in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05; P < 0.005; P < 0.0001). ConclusionInitiating myofunctional rehabilitation immediately following orthognathic surgery enhances facial muscle function recovery, improves patient confidence, and expedites social reintegration. This approach is crucial for functional and psychological benefits.

Freeze-dried porous collagen scaffolds for the repair of volumetric muscle loss injuries.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) injuries are characterized by the traumatic loss of skeletal muscle resulting in permanent damage to both tissue architecture and electrical excitability. To address this challenge, we previously developed a 3D aligned collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) scaffold platform that supported in vitro myotube alignment and maturation. In this work, we assessed the ability of CG scaffolds to facilitate functional muscle recovery in a rat tibialis anterior (TA) model of VML. Functional muscle recovery was assessed following implantation of either non-conductive CG or electrically conductive CG-polypyrrole (PPy) scaffolds at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-injury by in vivo electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve. After 12 weeks, scaffold-treated muscles produced maximum isometric torque that was significantly greater than non-treated tissues. Histological analysis further supported these reparative outcomes with evidence of regenerating muscle fibers at the material-tissue interface in scaffold-treated tissues that was not observed in non-repaired muscles. Scaffold-treated muscles possessed higher numbers of M1 and M2 macrophages at the injury while conductive CG-PPy scaffold-treated muscles showed significantly higher levels of neovascularization as indicated by the presence of pericytes and endothelial cells, suggesting a persistent wound repair response not observed in non-treated tissues. Finally, only tissues treated with non-conductive CG scaffolds displayed neurofilament staining similar to native muscle, further corroborating isometric contraction data. Together, these findings show that CG scaffolds can facilitate improved skeletal muscle function and endogenous cellular repair, highlighting their potential use as therapeutics for VML injuries.

The influence of muscle strength and aerobic fitness on functional recovery in elite female soccer players.

We examined the influence of muscle strength and aerobic fitness on wellbeing and muscle function recovery in female soccer players. Sixteen players from the English Women's Super League (age: 26±4 yrs; height, 1.70±0.07 m; mass, 67.9±6.4 kg) completed an isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP) and maximal aerobic speed test (MAST). Using a median split, players were divided by strength into high (H-IMTP) and low (L-IMPT) groups and by fitness into high (H-MAST) and low (L-MAST) groups. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), Reactive Strength Index (RSI) and wellbeing were measured 2 days prematch, then 3 subsequent days post-match (M+1, M+2, M+3). In H-IMTP, CMJ, RSI and wellbeing were higher at M+1-M+3 (P<0.05). At M+3, CMJ in H-IMTP was 30.3±3.5 cm vs. 26.2±3.4 in L-IMTP. CMJ and wellbeing were unaffected by fitness, but RSI was lower at M+1-M+3 in the L-IMTP group (P<0.05). In conclusion, isometrically stronger but not aerobically fitter female soccer players recover quicker after matches.

Nutrition intake, muscle thickness, and recovery outcomes for critically ill patients requiring non-invasive forms of respiratory support: A prospective observational study

BackgroundUse of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is increasing, yet reporting of nutrition intake, muscle thickness, or recovery outcomes in this population is limited. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to quantify muscle thickness, nutrition intake, and functional recovery outcomes for patients receiving HFNC/NIV within the ICU. MethodsA single-centre, prospective, observational study in adult ICU patients recruited within 48 hrs of commencing HFNC/NIV. Change in quadriceps muscle layer thickness using ultrasound (primary outcome) and 24 hr nutrition intake from study inclusion to day 7 (D7), functional capacity (Barthel Index), and quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension five-level utility index) at D90 were assessed. Data are n (%), mean ± standard deviation or median [interquartile range], are compared using paired sample t-test, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsPrimary outcome data were available for n = 28/42: 64 ± 13 y, 61% male, body mass index: 29.1 ± 9.0 kg/m2, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score: 17 ± 5. Quadriceps muscle layer thickness reduced from 2.41 ± 0.87 to 2.12 ± 0.73 cm; mean difference: −0.29 cm (95% confidence interval: -0.44, −0.13). Nutrition intake increased from study inclusion to D7: 1735 ± 1283 to 5448 ± 2858 kJ and 17.4 ± 16.6 to 60.9 ± 36.8g protein. Barthel Index was 87 ± 20 at baseline and 91 ± 15 at D90 (out of 100). Quality of life was impaired at D90: 0.64 ± 0.23 (health = 1.0). ConclusionCritically ill patients receiving HFNC/NIV experienced muscle loss and impaired quality of life.

Attenuation of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness with Acute Consumption of Essential Amino Acids

Introduction: Prior studies of the acute benefits of protein supplementation have determined a benefit in improving post-exercise muscle anabolism and aiding the recovery of muscle function and performance. Previous acute protein supplement studies in post-exercise protein synthesis and anabolic intracellular signaling reported no attenuation in muscle damage or elevated muscle function. The aim of this study is to implement a specific content of essential amino acids with resistance and aerobic exercises to quantify the difference in strength, endurance, and flexibility during the delayed onset muscle soreness common with a new exercise protocol. Methods: We enrolled 42 participants (22 EAA and 20 Controls) completed an hour-long aerobic and resistance exercise protocol including flexibility, resistance, and aerobic exercises for three consecutive days. The study participants were randomly assigned to the EAA (6.6g) per day (EAA + Gatorade) group or the control (Gatorade) group. The data was analyzed in a double-blinded format. Results: Both groups improved the initial flexibility respectively throughout the three exercise days but were not significantly different (p=0.32) in the sit and reach. For the resistance/power activities, the EAA group improved in the repetitions for push-ups (p=0.014 vs 0.21) and dips (0.0002 vs 0.59) compared to the controls. The EAA group was faster although not statistically significant in the 20-meter sprint and improved in the 1.5-mile run during the third day (P=0.002 vs 0.48) compared to the control group. Conclusions: The data in the results supports that acute ingestion of the essential amino acid supplements provides increased physical performance and decreases the DOMS symptoms in sedentary participants over the three-day trial period of exercise.

Supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve transfer to restore intrinsic function in high ulnar nerve injury: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundHigh ulnar nerve injuries is known to have unfavorable motor outcomes compared to other peripheral nerve injuries in the upper extremity. Functional muscle recovery after peripheral nerve injury depends on the time to motor end plate reinnervation and the number of motor axons that successfully reach the target muscle. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional recovery, and complications following performing supercharge end-to-side (SETS) anastomosis for proximal ulnar nerve injuries. Our study focuses on the role of SETS in the recovery process of high ulnar nerve injury.Patient and methodsThis study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, case series. The original proximal nerve pathology was dealt with according to the cause of injury, then SETS was performed distally. The follow-up period was 18 months. We compared the neurological findings before and after the procedure. A new test was used to show the effect of SETS on recovery by performing a Lidocaine proximal ulnar nerve block test.ResultsRecovery of the motor function of the ulnar nerve was evident in 33 (86.8%) patients. The mean time to intrinsic muscle recovery was 6.85 months ± 1.3, only 11.14% of patients restored protective sensation to the palm and finger and 86.8% showed sensory level at the wrist level at the end of the follow-up period. Lidocaine block test was performed on 35 recovered patients and showed no change in intrinsic hand function in 31 patients.ConclusionSETS exhibit a remarkable role in the treatment of high ulnar nerve damage. SETS transfer can act as a nerve transfer that can supply intrinsic muscles by its fibers and allows for proximal nerve regeneration. We believe that this technique improves recovery of hand motor function and allows recovery of sensory fibers when combined with treating the proximal lesion.Trial registrationApproved by Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University on 01/09/2021 with code number: MD-215–2021.

Resveratrol and Vitamin D: Eclectic Molecules Promoting Mitochondrial Health in Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss and atrophy of skeletal muscle function, often associated with aging or secondary to conditions involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent evidence indicates that skeletal muscle function is not only influenced by physical, environmental, and genetic factors but is also significantly impacted by nutritional deficiencies. Natural compounds with antioxidant properties, such as resveratrol and vitamin D, have shown promise in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle cells. These antioxidants can slow down muscle atrophy by regulating mitochondrial functions and neuromuscular junctions. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms leading to skeletal muscle atrophy and summarizes recent advances in using resveratrol and vitamin D supplementation for its prevention and treatment. Understanding these molecular mechanisms and implementing combined interventions can optimize treatment outcomes, ensure muscle function recovery, and improve the quality of life for patients.

The Efficacy of Early Rehabilitation Combined with Virtual Reality Training in Patients with First-Time Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Early rehabilitation has beneficial impacts on functional outcomes for patients with acute stroke. However, whether the addition of virtual reality (VR) training could further improve these patients' muscle strength, functional recovery, and psychological health is unknown. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 33 patients with first-time acute ischemic stroke. The patients were randomly assigned using a 1:1 randomization ratio to either the experimental group (EG) or the comparison group (CG). Both groups received early rehabilitation, and the EG received extra VR training during their stay in the hospital. Muscle strength, functional status, and psychological health were assessed before the intervention and at discharge. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group. After adjusting for potential covariates, the EG showed a more significant decrease in depression at discharge than the CG (ß = 3.77, p = 0.011). There were no differences in muscle strength and functional recovery between groups after intervention. Adding VR training into early rehabilitation facilitates substantial positive effects on psychological health, specifically depression, but not muscle strength and functional recovery, compared to receiving early rehabilitation alone in patients with first-time acute stroke during their hospitalized period.

Transcriptional evidence for transient regulation of muscle regeneration by brown adipose transplant in the rotator cuff.

Chronic rotator cuff(RC) injuries can lead to a degenerative microenvironment that favors chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration. Recovery of muscle structure and function will ultimately require a complex network of muscle resident cells, including satellite cells, fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and immune cells. Recent work suggests that signaling from adipose tissue and progenitors could modulate regeneration and recovery of function, particularly promyogenic signaling from brown or beige adipose (BAT). In this study, we sought to identify cellular targets of BAT signaling during muscle regeneration using a RCBAT transplantation mouse model. Cardiotoxin injured supraspinatus muscle had improved mass at 7 days postsurgery (dps) when transplanted with exogeneous BAT. Transcriptional analysis revealed transplanted BAT modulates FAP signaling early in regeneration likely via crosstalk with immune cells. However, this conferred no long-term benefit as muscle mass and function were not improved at 28 dps. To eliminate the confounding effects of endogenous BAT, we transplanted BAT in the "BAT-free" uncoupling protein-1diphtheria toxin fragment A (UCP1-DTA) mouse and here found improved muscle contractile function, but not mass at 28 dps. Interestingly, the transplanted BAT increased fatty infiltration in all experimental groups, implying modulation of FAP adipogenesis during regeneration. Thus, we conclude that transplanted BAT modulates FAP signaling early in regeneration,but does not grant long-term benefits.