| Abstract/Notes |
Abstract: In part I of this series I presented a review of the fascinating paper by Argiles et al1 that presented compelling information that loss of muscle mass during illness, both acute and chronic, is more than just a mechanical issue where the only concerns are movement and pain. Rather loss of muscle mass is also a systemic issue where virtually every key metabolic function, from the GI tract to the cardiovascular system, is affected. In part II of this series I would like to focus on a well-known therapeutic intervention that has been extensively documented to optimize muscle mass and function. This intervention is commonly known as exercise, either in the form of aerobic movement, increasing the force of gravity on muscle (weight bearing exercise), or both. However, does the term "exercise" limit our thinking in terms of how these interventions actually create benefit both locally to the muscle and systemically to general health? In my opinion, the answer is yes. Therefore, I would like to expand this discussion to consider not only exercise but any intervention that stimulates muscle. By doing this, therapies such as chiropractic, massage, and electrostimulation will also be included in the discussion.
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