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A novel lightweight wearable device to perform balance exercises at home

Researchers developed a lightweight wearable balance exercise device to improve reactive postural control in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. The device uses pneumatic artificial muscles to generate unexpected perturbations, resulting in improved peak displacement and velocity.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

How the fish got its shoulder

A new analysis of ancient fish bones and muscles suggests that the shoulder evolved from a modified version of the gill-arch hypothesis that reconciles it with the fin-fold hypothesis. The study, led by Dr Martin Brazeau and Natural History Museum researchers, provides new insights into the evolution of the shoulder girdle in animals.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

New “injectable tissue prosthesis coupled with closed-loop bioelectronic system” to aid in damaged muscle/nerve regeneration and robot-assisted rehabilitation

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science developed a novel approach to healing muscle injury using conductive hydrogels and robot-assisted rehabilitation. The injectable tissue prosthesis enhances gait in rodent models without nerve stimulation, while improving long-term muscle tissue regeneration.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Muscle dysmorphia linked to suicidal ideation and planning in adolescents and young adults

A new study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and proper identification of muscle dysmorphia symptoms to prevent future suicidal ideation and suicide planning.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Strength training may reduce health risks of a high-protein diet

A new study suggests that progressive strength training using resistance can protect against the detrimental effects of a high-protein diet. The research found that exercise protected mice from gaining excess fat mass, but did not affect blood sugar control. This paradoxical finding has implications for athletes and individuals with se...

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 18, 2023

Insect cyborgs: towards precision movement

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a model predicting torque generated from electrical stimulation in stick insect leg muscles, allowing for precise control of insect movement. The study's findings have the potential to refine motor control of tuned biohybrid robots and enable adaptable devices with various applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournaleLife·DateOct 4, 2023

Food insecurity linked to muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescent and young adults

A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

New research sheds light on 'runner's knee'

A new study found that patients with patellofemoral pain have smaller muscles in their hips and hamstrings, which are not typically targeted in rehabilitation. This suggests that personalized rehabilitation approaches may be necessary to effectively address chronic knee pain.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhysical Therapy in Sport·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Researchers predict film scores by the activity of facial muscles

A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that the activity of zygomaticus major, heart rate variability, and EEG indicators can predict film scores. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze physiological data from 21 participants who watched short films and rated them on a scale from 1 to 10.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2023

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023

The great weight debate: Researchers find all forms of weightlifting build strength and muscle, details matter less

Researchers found that all forms of resistance training are beneficial for building strength and muscle, with details mattering less than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 participants and found that complex prescriptions are sufficient but unnecessary for gains in strength and muscle size.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 7, 2023

Inadequate energy intake affects female athletes

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that female athletes who consume too little energy through their diet in comparison to their training volume experience negatively impacted muscles' ability to respond to training. The study shows that insufficient energy intake can lead to changes in the hormonal system, including a decrease ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 3, 2023

Higher levels of lean muscle might protect against Alzheimer’s disease

A large study suggests that higher levels of lean muscle mass may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used Mendelian randomisation to analyze the relationship between genetically proxied lean muscle mass and Alzheimer's disease risk, finding a modest but statistically robust association.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

First hominin muscle reconstruction shows 3.2 million-year-old ‘Lucy’ could stand as erect as we can

A study using digital reconstructions of Australopithecus afarensis muscles suggests that the 3.2 million-year-old 'Lucy' hominin could walk upright as efficiently as modern humans. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, used open-source data on Lucy's fossil to create a detailed model of her lower body muscle structure.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2023

Does fat content within muscle predict risk of cognitive decline?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 7, 2023

Experts assess state of the art in the treatment and management of cerebral palsy

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the treatment and management of cerebral palsy, including spasticity management and pain relief. The articles discuss various approaches to managing spasticity, such as enteral baclofen use and botulinum neurotoxinA injections, aiming to improve care and quali...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Ready, set, go: New study shows how marathon running affects different foot muscles

A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2023

Aerobic (“cardio”) exercise linked to significantly lower risk of flu or pneumonia death

Research found that meeting both recommended weekly physical activity targets was associated with a nearly half the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia as those who met neither. Meeting only the aerobic activity target was linked to a 36% lower risk, while muscle strengthening activities showed no significant difference.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2023

Getting active, while living with a partial spinal cord injury

A mobile app called SCI Step Together encourages people with partial spinal cord injuries to get active by setting goals, tracking activities, and connecting with others. The study found that participants who used the app had greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs, including independence, competence, and belonging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2023