Why aging can insidiously mimic short-term immobilization | Dr. Chris McGlory
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Dr. McGlory examines the nuances of muscle disuse atrophy, highlighting how prolonged immobilization due to surgeries or illnesses causes a rapid decline in muscle mass within the first week, even in healthy people. He points out that the effects are more detrimental for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. A study conducted in collaboration with Dr. Stuart Phillips revealed that older pre-diabetic individuals who took fewer than a thousand steps daily for two weeks experienced lasting decreases in protein synthesis and insulin sensitivity, which did not fully recover even after resuming regular activity. In this clip, Dr. Chris McGlory emphasizes that even brief periods of reduced physical activity can have significant health impacts that are frequently overlooked.
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The shrinking or wasting away of cells, organs, or tissues that may occur as part of a disease process, trauma, or aging.
A theoretical concept that defines periods of accelerated declines in muscle mass and functional capacity.[1] Catabolic crisis can occur at any age, but it is most common among older adults, for whom injuries, surgeries, or prolonged illnesses dictate long and perhaps frequent periods of physical inactivity or immobilization. Strategies to reduce the risk of a catabolic crisis include providing adequate nutritional support and physical therapy.[1]
A measure of torque, commonly assessed via an isokinetic dynamometer to determine muscle strength.
The loss of skeletal muscle tissue with age. Sarcopenia is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence in older adults.
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