Aging is commonly accompanied by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, or sarcopenia. A vital structure that may change with advancing age is the muscle’s extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM consists of a mesh of collagenous components as well as a mixture of further macromolecules, including various glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and elastin. Its
One of the designs of modern sports shoes is the toe spring, upward curvature of the sole at the front of the shoe. The toe spring elevates the toe box dorsally above the ground and thereby holds the toes in a constantly dorsiflexed position. The toe spring holds the toes, so they move less
An anatomical study provides structural evidence for a morphological connection between the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia via the highly aligned calcaneal trabeculae of the posterior calcaneus. Macroscopic observations during the separation of the Achilles tendon-calcaneus-plantar fascia complex (AT-calcaneus-PF complex). (A) The AT-calcaneus-PF complex can be observed looking from proximal to distal after the AT was
The effects of static stretching on subsequent sport performance and strength have been hotly debated in sport science. Internet gurus loudly offer their wisdom that there is no use of stretching and it can even be detrimental. However, the science of stretching has also changed within the past decade. Researchers from the University of Postdam
Structural integration (SI) is a form of manual therapy, originally developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, which targets fascial tissues combined with motor re-education. The main goal of SI is to restore the functional capabilities of the human body. It was hypothesized that SI acts mechanically on sensitive receptors in the soft tissues, which results in changes
Peripheral nerve injury is a debilitating condition; the injured axons can cause loss of motor, and autonomic functions, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of life. Surgical repair is the primary treatment; however functional recovery following re-innervation surgery is still not satisfying. Evidence suggests that brain plasticity-based rehabilitation is crucial for the
Soft tissue therapy applies mechanical stimulation to soft tissues for reducing pain and injuries. However, the understanding of how it works is still elusive. Does it affect the cellular and molecular level? A new study shed some light on the cellular mechanism. Studies tried to elucidate the effect at the cellular level using an
New research shows that deep pressure elicits similar pleasantness and calming effect as the affective C-tactile touch. Touch perception and cortical activation patterns for these two different types of touch are similar but distinct. The peripheral sensory afferents that transduce these sensations are different. The Social-Affective Touch Hypothesis proposes that gentle stroking and deep pressure
A new research shows that deep pressure elicits similar pleasantness and calming effect as the affective C-tactile touch. Touch perception and cortical activation patterns for these two different types of touch are similar but distinct. The peripheral sensory afferents that transduce these sensations are different. The Social-Affective Touch Hypothesis proposes that gentle stroking and deep pressure are
During the COVID-19 pandemic in China, all confirmed patients need to be treated in isolation. Patients under isolation will experience high levels of anxiety and low sleep quality. Some sleep-improving drugs may inhibit the respiratory system and worsen the condition. Therefore, researchers from Hainan hospital tried a muscle relaxation training to alleviate the anxiety
