Open AccessEffects of Use and Disuse on Non-paralyzed and Paralyzed Skeletal Muscles
Author(s) -
David R. Dolbow,
Ashraf S. Gorgey
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
aging and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.808
H-Index - 54
ISSN - 2152-5250
DOI - 10.14336/ad.2015.0826
Subject(s) - skeletal muscle , medicine , paralysis , stimulation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery
Skeletal muscle is an integral part of the somatic nervous system and plays a primary role in the performance of physical activities. Because physical activity is vital to countering the effects of aging and age related diseases and is a key component in the maintenance of healthy body composition it is important to understand the effects of use and disuse on skeletal muscle. While voluntary muscle activity provides optimal benefits to muscle and the maintenance of healthy body composition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be a viable alternative activity for individuals with paralysis. Body composition with a healthy muscle to fat ratio has been associated with healthy blood lipid and glucose profiles that may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.