Weightlessness
Adaptations of muscle to microgravity or to simulation conditions inducing similar effects:
Training and Countermeasures
Validation studies to test the effects of vibration or of fly-wheel inertial training on muscle growth and force-velocity performance in subjects with weakened muscles.The training effects on normally active healthy subjects are compared with the effects on subjects, who have weakened muscle because of long-term immobilization or high age. In addition we study the potential benefits of adapted muscle training for patients with inborn muscle weakness.
Aims in the scope of spaceflight: The development and validation of an improved muscle training using less time per day to conserve the muscle mass and performance of astronauts during long term space missions, i.e. onboard the ISS or future flights to the planet Mars.
Muscle — Volume Regulation and Blood Circulation
During muscle work osmotic forces cause a water shift from the extracellular space (interstitium and blood vessels) into the intracellular space of the muscle fibres. Furthermore, especially leg muscles are frequently exposed to a volume change caused by changes in body position in the gravitational field (e.g. the transition from the horizontal lying to the upright standing position). We examine the effects of such volume changes on the ion balance and the consequences on muscle excitation, energy metabolism, contractility, and fatigue.
The increase in blood volume and flow during intensive exercise of large muscle groups is a major stimulus for an increase in cardiac output (pulse x stroke volume). All studies on immobilisation and training effects on muscle should also examine the system physiologic aspect of peripheral and central reactions of the cardio-vascular system (Cardiovascular- and Volume Regulation).
Muscle — Bone and Nutrion
The regulation mechanisms for growth and strength in muscle and bone cross at many points. All studies on immobilisation or training effects will also focus on the interference between muscle and bone in terms of mechanical forces, blood chemical parameters like growth hormones, and nutritional aspects (minerals, vitamins, protein, carbon hydrates, and fat) (Link: Ernährung und Knochenstoffwechsel)
Diagnosis and Therapy Control in Patients with Neurological Diseases
In close cooperation with the university clinics Bergmannsheil in Bochum a novel method was developed for the differential diagnosis of a group of hereditary muscle diseases each based on a specific genetically determined defect in one of the various enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism (muscle glycogenosis). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and subsequent gene analysis replace the previously required analysis of muscle material that was received by surgery (biopsy).A special benefit of the non-invasive methods offered by our muscle lab is the opportunity to perform repeated examinations without additional health risks. Such repetitions are required e.g. in therapy studies. In cooperation with neurological clinics in Bochum and Bonn we have performed various studies to test therapies for patients with inborn diseases of muscle or nervous system.
Description of the Muscle Lab
Current Partners: