The Role of Passive Stretch and Repetitive Electrical Stimulation in Preventing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy While Reprogramming Gene Expression to Improve Fatigue Resistance

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Abstract
The effects of mechanical stimuli on preserving muscle mass while transforming them into slow, fatigue resistant muscles have been studied in the rabbit. When combined, stretching and electrical stimulation (10 Hz) Induce rapid and marked growth of muscles. This procedure also more rapidly activates the transformation process(es) than when either stretching or electrical stimulation (10 Hz) are used alone. Stretch by itseif is also anabolic causing useful lengthening of muscles and preventing collagen accumuiation. In contrast, muscle inactivity leads to rapid atrophy, fiber shortening and reduced muscle compliance. We believe these findings have important implications to cardiomyoplasty.