Systemic and local skeletal muscle responses to immobilisation.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are the systemic and local skeletal muscle responses to immobilisation different between men and women?
IRAS ID
167278
Contact name
Katerina Kay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Limb immobilisation is a very common technique used in clinical situations. However, while aiding in recovery from injury (ie with cast or brace to support) the process of immobilisation can cause a significant decline in muscle mass, strength and function with substantial changes in whole muscle as well as molecular changes. The full extent of these changes in whole body or skeletal muscle have not been elucidated, nor compared between men and women.
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of 7 days of leg immobilisation (with knee brace) in both men and women. By measuring changes in muscle strength and function of the immobilised limb and the control limb, we hope to establish any differences that occur on comparing male and female results, which has not been investigated fully before. Further, we will investigate neuromuscular and molecular changes in skeletal muscle after 7 days of immobilisation to help characterise the initial changes in the muscle and molecular response to immobilisation. This will potentially lead to therapeutic and pharmacological interventions to reduce muscle loss.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0016
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion