University of Illinois researchers have made an important connection between a certain type of stem cells known as (MSCs) in skeletal muscles. news.illinois.edu/.../0206muscle_MarniBoppart.html MSC’s are known to be important for muscle repair after non-physiological injury. This was previously achieved when chemical injections were used. The injections significantly damaged muscle tissue and induce inflammation.
Sport researchers have previously determined that exercise can create some injury as part of the process of muscle growth. This means that when you exercise, small tears can be seen in the muscle. The repair of that tear is what creates a stronger, well-rounded muscle.
The question that was posed by the researchers involved the hypothesis of whether the stem cells accumulation was a natural response to exercise. The researchers were pursuing this to find if the cells contributed to the beneficial regeneration and growth process that occurs post-exercise. “These findings are important because we’ve identified an adult stem cell in muscle that may provide the basis for muscle health with exercise and enhanced muscle healing with rehabilitation/movement therapy,” Marni Boppart said. “The fact that MSCs in muscle have the potential to release high concentrations of growth factor into the circulatory system during exercise also makes us wonder if they provide a critical link between enhanced whole-body health and participation in routine physical activity.”
The researchers found that although MSCs don’t directly contribute to building new muscle, they release an element that encourages other cells in muscle to fuse and create new muscle.
This research will be able to help trainers and athletes understand how to increase muscle health following exercise and to create the best training schedule through a deeper scientific knowledge, diet , training and rest time.
There will be continued studies done to clarify connections, but this information is very important, especially for those who can exercise effectively due to illness, disabilities or injury. I’ll keep you posted if new findings are reported.
The team published its findings in the journal of the Ellison Medical Foundation . the paper describing these findings are available online under the title, “Eccentric Exercise Facilitates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Appearance in Skeletal Muscle”.
Friday 02/17/12- Exercise Diary:
Yoga DVD- 90 minutes
Friday 02/17/12- Food Diary:
Breakfast-
1cup egg whites, 2 asparagus, 1 cup organic spinach (128 cal)
whole wheat english muffin, 1 tbls organic almond butter (190 cal)
A.M. Snack-
1 whey protein shake (125 cal)
Lunch-
5.5 oz.Orange Roughy (130 cal)
10 oz. mixed greens salad- baby greens, 1/2 cup beets, 1 small tomato,1/8 cup butternut squash, 2 tbls sunflower seeds, fat free Caesar dressing (105 cal)
3 oz quinoa (150 cal)
P.M. Snack-
1 whole wheat tortilla, 3 tbls hummus (240 cal)
Dinner-
5 oz Pork chop, grilled (210 cal)
1 cup wild rice (210 cal)
1 cup spagetti squash, mushrooms, tomato, low-fat mozzarella, garlic, italian spices, onions ( 145 cal)
TOTAL CALORIES- 1633
Subscribe