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Are statin side effects all in the mind? International experts recommend ways to improve adherence to statin therapy

The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 10, 2022

Backward over forward: eccentric cycling offers more benefits and requires less effort than concentric cycling

A study by Dr. Ryoichi Ema found that eccentric cycling has higher neuromuscular activation of the rectus femoris muscle and can be performed with less effort. This suggests that eccentric cycling exercise is beneficial for improving athletic performance and preventing muscle damage.

SourceShizuoka Sangyo University - Iwata Campus·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Neuropathy Score Reporting and Data System (NS-RADS) validated for MR neurography

A multicenter study validates the accuracy and reliability of NS-RADS for classifying and grading peripheral neuropathies, with high interrater agreement across different reader experience levels. The study shows promising results for routine practice, suggesting NS-RADS as a standardized guideline for reporting peripheral neuropathies.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Why exercise gets harder the less you do

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2022

Ergonomic chair based on the innovation by Lithuanian researchers might help reduce back pain

A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalTechnology and Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Nebulin no longer nebulous! Scientists obtain first high-resolution 3D image of muscle protein

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have obtained the first high-resolution 3D image of the muscle protein nebulin using electron cryo-tomography. The structure reveals that each nebulin repeat binds with an actin subunit, acting as a ruler to dictate filament length and interacting with neighboring actin subunits to stabilize it.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Feeling dizzy when you stand up? Simple muscle techniques can effectively manage symptoms of initial orthostatic hypotension

Researchers discovered two simple physical maneuvers to effectively reduce blood pressure drops and alleviate symptoms of IOH in young women. Lower body muscle preactivation (thighs) and tensing improved cardiac output and stroke volume, respectively, leading to a reduction in symptoms upon standing.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

In animal battles, cheaters can win

A new study reveals that animals use cheap tissues like chitin to build their weapons, allowing them to deceive opponents and gain advantages in battles. This tactic is used by species such as snapping shrimps and fiddler crabs, which can exaggerate their size and strength through clever deception.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

No time to exercise? What about THREE SECONDS a day?

A recent study from Edith Cowan University found that even brief periods of weightlifting, such as three seconds a day, can increase muscle strength. The research involved 39 healthy university students performing isometric, concentric, or eccentric bicep curls for three seconds daily over four weeks.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2022

New muscle layer discovered on the jaw

A new muscle layer has been discovered on the jaw, contradicting traditional anatomy descriptions. The masseter muscle was found to have an additional third layer, which is involved in stabilizing the lower jaw and pulling it backwards.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateDec 20, 2021

Muscles seem to grow, rather than shrink, in some critically ill Covid patients

Contrary to previous research, some Covid patients exhibit increased muscle mass, particularly those with a strong immune response, while others experience significant muscle wastage. This study suggests that immune response to Covid may exacerbate muscle damage, potentially impacting recovery and quality of life.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateDec 16, 2021

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong.

Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

Power walk

Researchers developed a powered exoskeleton that provides extra energy for walking, reducing the strain on amputee muscles. The device was tested by six individuals with above-knee amputations, showing a 15.6% improvement in metabolic rate and allowing users to walk for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 11, 2021

Massage doesn’t just make muscles feel better, it makes them heal faster and stronger

A Harvard study found that massage therapy using mechanotherapy rapidly clears immune cells from severely injured muscles, enhancing regeneration. The treatment also removed inflammatory cytokines, leading to greater repair and strength recovery in injured muscles.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Using the microbiome to promote muscle growth in muscle loss conditions such as ageing and cancer

A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2021

Older people with abdominal fat and weak muscles are more likely to develop mobility problems

A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...