Add BrightSurf on Google Email

No good evidence that shock-absorbing insoles stave off injuries or stress fractures

A pooled analysis of available data reveals that shock-absorbing insoles do not prevent injuries or stress fractures. In contrast, foot orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of overall injury and certain types of leg and foot pain by up to 41%. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and further rigorous research is needed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 12, 2016

Exercise may have therapeutic potential for expediting muscle repair in older populations

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that regular exercise can improve muscle repair in older adults, allowing them to regain lost muscle mass and recover from injury more quickly. After just eight weeks of exercise, old mice experienced faster muscle repair and regrowth compared to non-exercised controls.

Deployed US military service members more likely to suffer noncombat bone and joint injuries

A literature review found that deployed military service members are three times more likely to suffer non-combat musculoskeletal injuries than combat-related ones. Non-combat injuries common among service members include ACL injuries and ankle sprains, with 50% of surgical procedures on the knee or shoulder.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 1, 2016

How white blood cells limit muscle regeneration

Researchers identified a protein produced by white blood cells that puts the brakes on muscle repair. Removing CD163 from mice boosted muscle repair and recovery of blood flow after ischemic injury. The findings point to a target for potential treatments aiming to enhance muscle regeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2015

Wearing high-heeled shoes may cause ankle muscle imbalance and injury

Collegiate women wearing high heels regularly developed an imbalance of 4 functional ankle muscles, strengthening at first but leading to imbalance and increased risk of injury. Regular ankle strengthening exercises and limiting high heel wear are recommended as preventative measures.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJun 1, 2015

Muscles matter in baseball injuries

A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

Veterans with muscle injuries and mental health conditions more likely to end service

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that 60% of U.S. Army soldiers who couldn't return to a military career after an Iraq deployment had a muscle, bone or joint injury and nearly half had a mental health diagnosis. The strongest predictors of inability to continue serving were musculoskeletal conditions, psychological diagnoses, a...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 2, 2014

Military/civilian medical experts turning attention to 'army' of injured civilians supporting wars

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

'You kick like a girl'

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found significant differences in knee alignment and muscle activation between male and female soccer players. Male players activate specific hip and leg muscles more than females during kicking motions, which may contribute to the higher risk of ACL injuries among women.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 1, 2010

Battling a biceps injury

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that surgical treatment soon after a biceps injury leads to faster and more complete recoveries. The study revealed that surgery offers significant improvements in elbow flexion and supination, with upper extremity endurance also enhanced.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 3, 2010

An ambulance man for muscle damage

Researchers have found a naturally occurring protein called CnAß1 that permanently activates calcineurin, increasing muscle stem cell proliferation and regeneration. This uncouples the protein's activity from injury signals, making it a promising candidate for treating muscle damage and wasting.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 18, 2007

Atrogin breaks down the side effects of statins

Researchers identified atrogin-1 as a key factor in statin-induced muscle damage, which can be prevented by inhibiting its function. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for high cholesterol patients experiencing unwanted side effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

Wound botulism

Wound botulism is a potentially fatal illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores contaminating wounds. A case study published in PLoS Medicine reports a man's full recovery after prompt diagnosis and treatment with ventilator support and botulinum antitoxin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 25, 2006

Helping muscle regenerate

Researchers have found a way to protect muscle from degenerating after injury and improve muscle healing in mice by blocking the central signal molecule NF-kB. The study suggests two molecules with potential as promising drug targets for new therapies against muscle wasting.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006