This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
New Findings What is the central question of this study? While muscle fibre atrophy in response to immobilisation has been extensively examined, intramuscular connective tissue, particularly endomysium, have been largely neglected. We investigated whether endomysium content of the soleus muscle increases during bed rest. What is the main finding and its importance? Analysing muscle biopsy data from a 60-day bed rest study, we found that absolute endomysium content did not change, and previous studies reporting an increase are explicable by muscle fibre atrophy. It must be expected that even a relative connective tissue accumulation will lead to an increase in muscle stiffness. Abstract Muscle fibres atrophy during conditions of disuse. Whilst animal data suggest an increase in endomysium content with disuse, that information is not available in humans. We hypothesised that endomysium content increases during immobilisation. To test this hypothesis, biopsy samples of the soleus muscle obtained from 21 volunteers who underwent 60-days of bed rest were analysed using immunofluorescence-labelled laminin γ-1 to delineate individual muscles fibres as well as the endomysium space. The endomysium-to-fibre-area ratio (EFAr, in %) was assessed as a measure related to stiffness, and the endomysium-to-fibre-number ratio (EFNr) was calculated to determine whether any increase in EFAr was absolute, or could be attributed to muscle fibre shrinkage. As expected, we found muscle fibre atrophy (p = 0.0031) that amounted to shrinkage by 16.6% (SD 28.2%) on day 55 of bed rest. ENAr increased on day 55 of bed rest (p < 0.001). However, when analysing EFNr, no effect of bed rest was found (p = 0.62). These results demonstrate that an increase in EFAr is likely a direct effect of muscle fibre atrophy. Based on the assumption that the total number of muscle fibres remains unchanged during 55 days of bed rest, this implies that the absolute amount of connective tissue in the soleus muscle remained unchanged. The increased relative endomysium content, however, could be functionally related to an increase in muscle stiffness. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Georgina K. Thot; Carolin Berwanger; Edwin Mulder; Jessica K. Lee; Yannick Lichterfeld; Bergita Ganse; Ifigeneia Giakoumaki; Hans Degens; Ibrahim Duran; Eckhard Schönau; Christoph S. Clemen; Bent Brachvogel; Jörn Rittweger. Effects of long‐term immobilisation on endomysium of the soleus muscle in humans. Experimental Physiology 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleGeorgina K. Thot, Carolin Berwanger, Edwin Mulder, Jessica K. Lee, Yannick Lichterfeld, Bergita Ganse, Ifigeneia Giakoumaki, Hans Degens, Ibrahim Duran, Eckhard Schönau, Christoph S. Clemen, Bent Brachvogel, Jörn Rittweger. Effects of long‐term immobilisation on endomysium of the soleus muscle in humans. Experimental Physiology. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgina K. Thot; Carolin Berwanger; Edwin Mulder; Jessica K. Lee; Yannick Lichterfeld; Bergita Ganse; Ifigeneia Giakoumaki; Hans Degens; Ibrahim Duran; Eckhard Schönau; Christoph S. Clemen; Bent Brachvogel; Jörn Rittweger. 2021. "Effects of long‐term immobilisation on endomysium of the soleus muscle in humans." Experimental Physiology , no. : 1.
Vigorous exercise countermeasures in microgravity can largely attenuate muscular degeneration, albeit the extent of applied loading is key for the extent of muscle wasting. Running on the International Space Station is usually performed with maximum loads of 70% body weight (0.7 g). However, it has not been investigated how the reduced musculoskeletal loading affects muscle and series elastic element dynamics, and thereby force and power generation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of running on the vertical treadmill facility, a ground-based analog, at simulated 0.7 g on gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior. The results reveal that fascicle−series elastic element behavior differs between simulated hypogravity and 1 g running. Whilst shorter peak series elastic element lengths at simulated 0.7 g appear to be the result of lower muscular and gravitational forces acting on it, increased fascicle lengths and decreased velocities could not be anticipated, but may inform the development of optimized running training in hypogravity. However, whether the alterations in contractile behavior precipitate musculoskeletal degeneration warrants further study.
Charlotte Richter; Bjoern Braunstein; Benjamin Staeudle; Julia Attias; Alexander Suess; Tobias Weber; Katya N. Mileva; Joern Rittweger; David A. Green; Kirsten Albracht. Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity. npj Microgravity 2021, 7, 1 .
AMA StyleCharlotte Richter, Bjoern Braunstein, Benjamin Staeudle, Julia Attias, Alexander Suess, Tobias Weber, Katya N. Mileva, Joern Rittweger, David A. Green, Kirsten Albracht. Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity. npj Microgravity. 2021; 7 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCharlotte Richter; Bjoern Braunstein; Benjamin Staeudle; Julia Attias; Alexander Suess; Tobias Weber; Katya N. Mileva; Joern Rittweger; David A. Green; Kirsten Albracht. 2021. "Contractile behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during running in simulated hypogravity." npj Microgravity 7, no. : 1.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity during spaceflights leads to severe deterioration in the physical performance of astronauts. To understand the effectiveness of existing in‐flight daily countermeasures and to plan exercise onboard the International Space Station, we compared supine treadmill running to traditional upright treadmill running on earth. Specifically, we assessed the cardiorespiratory responses to conventional upright running to the responses to supine treadmill running under 0.3 g, 0.6 g, and 1 g of body weight in younger (20–30 years, n = 14, 8 females) and older healthy adults (50–60 years, n = 12, 6 females). Maximal cardiorespiratory capacity was additionally evaluated by performing an incremental running protocol on each treadmill. Maximum speed was greater for 0.3 g and 0.6 g in supine than for upright running (18.5 km/h (1.1) and 15.9 (3.1) vs 13.2 (2.4) p < 0.001). In contrast, maximum oxygen uptake () and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were greater in upright running than in all supine conditions (Upright treadmill running vs S1.0G vs S0.6G vs S0.3G, 41.7 ml kg−1 min−1 (7.2) vs 30.5 (6.6) vs 32.9 (7.0) vs 30.9 (5.2), p < 0.001 and 171 beats min−1 (14) vs 152 (24) vs 155 (20) vs 152 (18), p < 0.001, respectively). The reduction in was remarkably similar across all three supine conditions, could not be increased by higher running speeds and can be well explained by reduced ground reaction forces (GRF). Thus, although a gravity‐related restriction of pulmonary gas exchange or perfusion of the legs when exercising in the supine position can be suspected, findings are also explicable on grounds of the vertical treadmill mechanics. Reduced loading will constitute a substantial limitation to in space with implications for crew health and the physical deterioration of astronauts.
Kenan Yilmaz; Mark Burnley; Jonas Böcker; Klaus Müller; Andrew M. Jones; Jörn Rittweger. Influence of simulated hypogravity on oxygen uptake during treadmill running. Physiological Reports 2021, 9, e14787 .
AMA StyleKenan Yilmaz, Mark Burnley, Jonas Böcker, Klaus Müller, Andrew M. Jones, Jörn Rittweger. Influence of simulated hypogravity on oxygen uptake during treadmill running. Physiological Reports. 2021; 9 (9):e14787.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKenan Yilmaz; Mark Burnley; Jonas Böcker; Klaus Müller; Andrew M. Jones; Jörn Rittweger. 2021. "Influence of simulated hypogravity on oxygen uptake during treadmill running." Physiological Reports 9, no. 9: e14787.
Regular physical exercise and a healthy diet are major determinants of a healthy lifespan. Although aging is associated with declining endurance performance and muscle function, these components can favorably be modified by regular physical activity and especially by exercise training at all ages in both sexes. In addition, age-related changes in body composition and metabolism, which affect even highly trained masters athletes, can in part be compensated for by higher exercise metabolic efficiency in active individuals. Accordingly, masters athletes are often considered as a role model for healthy aging and their physical capacities are an impressive example of what is possible in aging individuals. In the present review, we first discuss physiological changes, performance and trainability of older athletes with a focus on sex differences. Second, we describe the most important hormonal alterations occurring during aging pertaining regulation of appetite, glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure and the modulatory role of exercise training. The third part highlights nutritional aspects that may support health and physical performance for older athletes. Key nutrition-related concerns include the need for adequate energy and protein intake for preventing low bone and muscle mass and a higher demand for specific nutrients (e.g., vitamin D and probiotics) that may reduce the infection burden in masters athletes. Fourth, we present important research findings on the association between exercise, nutrition and the microbiota, which represents a rapidly developing field in sports nutrition.
Barbara Strasser; Dominik Pesta; Jörn Rittweger; Johannes Burtscher; Martin Burtscher. Nutrition for Older Athletes: Focus on Sex-Differences. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1409 .
AMA StyleBarbara Strasser, Dominik Pesta, Jörn Rittweger, Johannes Burtscher, Martin Burtscher. Nutrition for Older Athletes: Focus on Sex-Differences. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (5):1409.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Strasser; Dominik Pesta; Jörn Rittweger; Johannes Burtscher; Martin Burtscher. 2021. "Nutrition for Older Athletes: Focus on Sex-Differences." Nutrients 13, no. 5: 1409.
Vertical jumping power declines with advancing age, which is theoretically explicable by loss of muscle mass and increases in body fat. However, the results of previous cross-sectional studies remain inconsistent on these relationships. The present study included 256 masters athletes who competed at the 2018 track and field world championships in Málaga, Spain. We assessed body composition with bioelectrical impedance (Inbody S10) and vertical jumping power with a Leonardo ground reaction force platform. Relationships between age, jumping power, and body composition were analyzed by correlation and regression analyses. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate effects of each factor on vertical jumping power. Age-related rates of decreases in maximal power and jump height were similar between male and female athletes. Percent fat-free mass and percent body fat were negatively and positively, respectively, associated with age in masters athletes and were comparable to those previously observed in the general population. Moreover, these effects in body composition can, to a great extent, explain the age-related decline in jumping power, an effect that seems at least partly independent of age. Finally, the multiple regression model to determine independent predictors of vertical jump performance yielded an overall R 2 value of 0.75 with the inclusion of (1) athletic specialization in power events, (2) percent fat-free mass, and (3) phase angle. However, partial regression yielded significant effects of age, but not gender, on peak power, even when adjusting for athletic specialization, percent fat-free mass, and phase angle. We concluded that loss of skeletal muscle mass and changes in bio-impedance phase angle are important contributors to the age-related reduction in anaerobic power, even in adults who maintain high levels of physical activity into old age. However, age per se remains a significant predictor of vertical jump performance, further demonstrating deteriorated muscle quality at old age (sarcosthenia).
José R. Alvero-Cruz; Mieszko Brikis; Phil Chilibeck; Petra Frings-Meuthen; Jose F. Vico Guzmán; Uwe Mittag; Sarah Michely; Edwin Mulder; Hirofumi Tanaka; Jens Tank; Jörn Rittweger. Age-Related Decline in Vertical Jumping Performance in Masters Track and Field Athletes: Concomitant Influence of Body Composition. Frontiers in Physiology 2021, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleJosé R. Alvero-Cruz, Mieszko Brikis, Phil Chilibeck, Petra Frings-Meuthen, Jose F. Vico Guzmán, Uwe Mittag, Sarah Michely, Edwin Mulder, Hirofumi Tanaka, Jens Tank, Jörn Rittweger. Age-Related Decline in Vertical Jumping Performance in Masters Track and Field Athletes: Concomitant Influence of Body Composition. Frontiers in Physiology. 2021; 12 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé R. Alvero-Cruz; Mieszko Brikis; Phil Chilibeck; Petra Frings-Meuthen; Jose F. Vico Guzmán; Uwe Mittag; Sarah Michely; Edwin Mulder; Hirofumi Tanaka; Jens Tank; Jörn Rittweger. 2021. "Age-Related Decline in Vertical Jumping Performance in Masters Track and Field Athletes: Concomitant Influence of Body Composition." Frontiers in Physiology 12, no. : 1.
Aims: To assess children's acceptance to wear a 3D-accelerometer which is attached to the waist under real-world conditions, and also to compare gait speed during supervised testing with the non-supervised gait speed in every-day life. Methods: In a controlled observational, cross sectional study thirty subjects with cerebral palsy (CP), with level I&II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and 30 healthy control children (Ctrl), aged 3–12 years, were asked to perform a 1-min-walking test (1 mwt) under laboratory conditions, and to wear an accelerometric device for a 1-week wearing home measurement (1 WHM). Acceptance was measured via wearing time, and by a questionnaire in which subjects rated restrictions in their daily living and wearing comfort. In addition, validity of 3D-accelerometric gait speed was checked through gold standard assessment of gait speed with a mobile perambulator. Results: Wearing time amounted to 10.3 (SD 3.4) hours per day, which was comparable between groups (T = 1.10, P = 0.3). Mode for wearing comfort [CP 1, Range (1,4), Ctrl 1, Range (1,6)] and restriction of daily living [CP 1, Range (1,3), Ctrl 1, Range (1,4)] was comparable between groups. Under laboratory conditions, Ctrl walked faster in the 1 mwt than CP (Ctrl 1.72 ± 0.29 m/s, CP 1.48 ± 0.41 m/s, P = 0.018). Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found when comparing real-world walking speed and laboratory walking speed (CP: 1 mwt 1.48 ± 0.41 m/s, 1 WHM 0.89 ± 0.09 m/s, P = 0.012; Ctrl: 1mwt 1.72 ± 0.29, 1 WHM 0.97 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). Conclusion: 3D-accelerometry is well-enough accepted in a pediatric population of patients with CP and a Ctrl group to allow valid assessments. Assessment outside the laboratory environment yields information about real world activity that was not captured by routine clinical tests. This suggests that assessment of habitual activities by wearable devices reflects the functioning of children in their home environment. This novel information constitutes an important goal for rehabilitation medicine. The study is registered at the German Register of Clinical Trials with the title “Acceptance and Validity of 3D Accelerometric Gait Analysis in Pediatric Patients” (AVAPed; DRKS00011919).
Isabella Wiedmann; Marcello Grassi; Ibrahim Duran; Ricardo Lavrador; Evelyn Alberg; Martin Daumer; Eckhard Schoenau; Jörn Rittweger. Accelerometric Gait Analysis Devices in Children—Will They Accept Them? Results From the AVAPed Study. Frontiers in Pediatrics 2021, 8, 1 .
AMA StyleIsabella Wiedmann, Marcello Grassi, Ibrahim Duran, Ricardo Lavrador, Evelyn Alberg, Martin Daumer, Eckhard Schoenau, Jörn Rittweger. Accelerometric Gait Analysis Devices in Children—Will They Accept Them? Results From the AVAPed Study. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021; 8 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIsabella Wiedmann; Marcello Grassi; Ibrahim Duran; Ricardo Lavrador; Evelyn Alberg; Martin Daumer; Eckhard Schoenau; Jörn Rittweger. 2021. "Accelerometric Gait Analysis Devices in Children—Will They Accept Them? Results From the AVAPed Study." Frontiers in Pediatrics 8, no. : 1.
Key points The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rotational axis position (RAP and thus g‐gradient) during short‐arm human centrifugation (SAHC) upon cardiovascular responses, cerebral perfusion and g‐tolerance. In 10 male and 10 female participants, 10 min passive SAHC runs were performed with the RAP above the head (P1), at the apex of the head (P2), or at heart level (P3), with foot‐level Gz at 1.0 g, 1.7 g and 2.4 g. We hypothesized that movement of the RAP from above the head (the conventional position) towards the heart might reduce central hypovolaemia, limit cardiovascular responses, aid cerebral perfusion, and thus promote g‐tolerance. Moving the RAP footward towards the heart decreased the cerebral tissue saturation index, calf circumference and heart rate responses to SAHC, thereby promoting g‐tolerance. Our results also suggest that RAP, and thus g‐gradient, warrants further investigation as it may support use as a holistic spaceflight countermeasure. Abstract Artificial gravity (AG) through short‐arm human centrifugation (SAHC) has been proposed as a holistic spaceflight countermeasure. Movement of the rotational axis position (RAP) from above the head towards the heart may reduce central hypovolaemia, aid cerebral perfusion, and thus promote g‐tolerance. This study determined the effect of RAP upon cardiovascular responses, peripheral blood displacement (i.e. central hypovolaemia), cerebral perfusion and g‐tolerance, and their inter‐relationships. Twenty (10 male) healthy participants (26.2 ± 4.0 years) underwent nine (following a familiarization run) randomized 10 min passive SAHC runs with RAP set above the head (P1), at the apex of the head (P2), or at heart level (P3) with foot‐level Gz at 1.0 g, 1.7 g and 2.4 g. Cerebral tissue saturation index (cTSI, cerebral perfusion surrogate), calf circumference (CC, central hypovolaemia), heart rate (HR) and digital heart‐level mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were continuously recorded, in addition to incidence of pre‐syncopal symptoms (PSS). ΔCC and ΔHR increases were attenuated from P1 to P3 (ΔCC: 5.46 ± 0.54 mm to 2.23 ± 0.42 mm; ΔHR: 50 ± 4 bpm to 8 ± 2 bpm, P < 0.05). In addition, ΔcTSI decrements were also attenuated (ΔcTSI: −2.85 ± 0.48% to −0.95 ± 0.34%, P < 0.05) and PSS incidence lower in P3 than P1 (P < 0.05). A positive linear relationship was observed between ΔCC and ΔHR with increasing +Gz, and a negative relationship between ΔCC and ΔcTSI, both independent of RAP. Our data suggest that movement of RAP towards the heart (reduced g‐gradient), independent of foot‐level Gz, leads to improved g‐tolerance. Further investigations are required to assess the effect of differential baroreceptor feedback (i.e. aortic–carotid g‐gradient).
Charles Laing; David A. Green; Edwin Mulder; Helmut Hinghofer‐Szalkay; Andrew P. Blaber; Joern Rittweger; Nandu Goswami. Effect of novel short‐arm human centrifugation‐induced gravitational gradients upon cardiovascular responses, cerebral perfusion and g‐tolerance. The Journal of Physiology 2020, 598, 4237 -4249.
AMA StyleCharles Laing, David A. Green, Edwin Mulder, Helmut Hinghofer‐Szalkay, Andrew P. Blaber, Joern Rittweger, Nandu Goswami. Effect of novel short‐arm human centrifugation‐induced gravitational gradients upon cardiovascular responses, cerebral perfusion and g‐tolerance. The Journal of Physiology. 2020; 598 (19):4237-4249.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCharles Laing; David A. Green; Edwin Mulder; Helmut Hinghofer‐Szalkay; Andrew P. Blaber; Joern Rittweger; Nandu Goswami. 2020. "Effect of novel short‐arm human centrifugation‐induced gravitational gradients upon cardiovascular responses, cerebral perfusion and g‐tolerance." The Journal of Physiology 598, no. 19: 4237-4249.
The key substrates in human energy metabolism are ATP, phosphocreatine, glucose, carbohydrates, and lipids. While phosphocreatine and glucose allow some limited generation of ATP in the absence of oxygen, the bulk of ATP generation is through the oxidative phosphorylation of carbohydrates and lipids. Accordingly, measurement of oxygen uptake (VO2) by spirometry is straightforward for the assessment of the body’s energy metabolism. A large number of studies demonstrate that VO2 is increased during WBV and that this increase is systematically dependent on vibration amplitude and frequency. Further studies demonstrate that skeletal muscle is responsible for the increase in VO2. However, the effect is quite moderate in itself and, hence, probably irrelevant to long-term energy balance. A small number of studies suggest that WBV shifts energy metabolism toward utilization of carbohydrates and that it may enhance excess postexercise VO2. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.
Jörn Rittweger. Metabolic Responses to Whole-Body Vibration Exercise. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 143 -153.
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger. Metabolic Responses to Whole-Body Vibration Exercise. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():143-153.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger. 2020. "Metabolic Responses to Whole-Body Vibration Exercise." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 143-153.
Apart from the local targets of vibration, the combination of WBV with other types of exercise or with conventional physiotherapy is used in many clinical settings. For the combined use, three settings are vital: Frequency, amplitude and posture. In this chapter, the key concepts for the selection of these parameters are summarized. First, the goal and/or region of training has to be defined: WBV can be either applied in preparation of physiotherapy or exercise session for muscular warm-up, to pre-condition spinal and supra-spinal arousal, or to modulate muscle tone. But it can also be applied in conjunction with physiotherapy or exercise, in order to combine the effects or parallel to exercises. The importance of frequency and amplitude in the context of other chapters is described and that changing the posture on a WBV platform has profound effects on how the vibration gets transmitted in the body. It is highlighted that avoiding damage should be of high priority and local responses should be verified, such as contractions and heating of the targeted muscles.
Christina Stark; Jörn Rittweger. How to Design Exercise Sessions with Whole-Body Vibration Platforms. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 247 -254.
AMA StyleChristina Stark, Jörn Rittweger. How to Design Exercise Sessions with Whole-Body Vibration Platforms. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():247-254.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristina Stark; Jörn Rittweger. 2020. "How to Design Exercise Sessions with Whole-Body Vibration Platforms." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 247-254.
This biomechanistic approach of vibration exercise discusses the human body as a group of segments (foot, shank, thigh, trunk, head) balanced on top of each other. These segments are interlinked by joints, the stiffness of which is generated by the surrounding muscles. Reflexes and pre-tension of the muscles are important factors that modulate the apparent joint stiffness and leg stiffness. In addition, leg stiffness is also affected by posture, with greater leg stiffness occurring in erect posture than in a crouched posture. To ensure comfort and to reduce the possible risk, vibration transmission to the head should be attenuated. This can be achieved by adjusting the pre-tension and posture. In addition, raising the heel from the vibration platform reduces vibration transmissibility. For similar reasons, side-alternating platforms have lower transmissibility to trunk and head than side-synchronous platforms, as they allow an additional degree of freedom in the lumbo-sacral joint. Finally, vibration elicits stretch-shortening cycles within the tendon and skeletal muscle, at a minimum of 6 Hz. These mechanical stretch-shortening cycles provide a solid rationale for the activation of mono-synaptic stretch reflexes.
Darryl Cochrane; Jörn Rittweger. Biomechanics of Vibration Exercise. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 69 -85.
AMA StyleDarryl Cochrane, Jörn Rittweger. Biomechanics of Vibration Exercise. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():69-85.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDarryl Cochrane; Jörn Rittweger. 2020. "Biomechanics of Vibration Exercise." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 69-85.
Safe use of vibration platforms necessitates avoiding exposures known to cause whole body and hand arm vibration injuries from industrial tools in the workplace. Although, after years of using vibration machines in medicine and exercise, reports of adverse events are rare, and caution is warranted because, even in the workplace, awareness of the potential types of injuries (neural, vascular, and musculoskeletal) and vibration parameters (acceleration, frequency Hz, and exposure duration) is insufficient. With regards to vibration exercise and therapy, there have been only very few reports of adverse events. However, the fact that none of them had been reported to responsible authorities suggests that there could be an unknown number of unreported cases. Educating users, providers, and manufacturers about the dangers of vibration is discussed with the objective to preemptively avoid ill health effects. Studies are needed to more precisely define the physical properties of vibration being utilized so that the beneficial effects can be linked to specific protocols. These data can assist protocol improvement and guide engineering of safe and effective machines. As the population of users expands from normal healthy individuals to include more with disease and aging deficiencies, susceptibility to vibration injury increases and necessitates individualized treatment considerations. As a result of such studies, new contraindications could emerge for the safe use of vibration exercise and vibration therapy.
Danny A. Riley; Jörn Rittweger. Safety and Contraindications. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 55 -65.
AMA StyleDanny A. Riley, Jörn Rittweger. Safety and Contraindications. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():55-65.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanny A. Riley; Jörn Rittweger. 2020. "Safety and Contraindications." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 55-65.
Occupational exposure to vibration has long been seen as an important cause of chronic lower back pain (CLBP). However, research has also established that CLBP is associated with reduction or loss of spinal reflexes in the trunk musculature, and also with hampered lumbo-pelvic proprioception. It was therefore hoped that whole-body vibration (WBV), which has been shown to elicit muscle stretch and stretch reflexes, can help to re-establish functionality in the trunk musculature. Studies into the acute spinal responses to vibration support this idea. Independent of this, vibration seems to also reduce the perception of pain in the trunk musculature and elsewhere. Today, a series of clinical studies with more than 300 patients effectively demonstrates the suitability of WBV as a treatment of CLBP, with improvements in pain sensation, in disability, in pelvic flexibility, in pelvic proprioception, in quality of life and in habitual physical activity levels. Thus, WBV lends itself for application in CLBP treatment on a larger scale. Future research should also try to establish which types of vibration exposures (exercising vs. occupational) and which dosage (amplitude, frequency, shape, duration) determine whether vibration is helpful or detrimental.
Jörn Rittweger. Whole-Body Vibration Exercise as a Treatment Option for Chronic Lower Back Pain. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 279 -284.
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger. Whole-Body Vibration Exercise as a Treatment Option for Chronic Lower Back Pain. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():279-284.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger. 2020. "Whole-Body Vibration Exercise as a Treatment Option for Chronic Lower Back Pain." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 279-284.
Aging is accompanied by an accumulation of diseases and disabilities, which threaten a person’s functional independence. Within the progression of disablement, neuromuscular decline is a key factor, conceptualized by the terms ‘sarcopenia’ and ‘frailty’. Physical activity, and in particular physical exercise, is the only acknowledged countermeasure to halt this process. However, the majority of old persons do not attain the recommended levels of physical activity, and readiness to engage in a physical exercise program is declining as we grow old. On the other hand, physical activity would have to be maintained over years and decades for a profound impact on health at old age. We therefore question whether the currently recommended training regimens, which had originally been designed for younger people or even athletes, are fit for purpose in the geriatric population. It is then discussed in how far the particularities of whole-body vibration (WBV) address the specific needs of geriatric patients. The efficacy for a broad range of age-related deficits, the short time frame with multiple repetitions, the relatively low demands for the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, the low rating of perceived exertion, and an easy way to instruct and supervise the method could facilitate long-term adherence of vibration therapy in geriatric medicine. Especially for bed-ridden and chair-bound patients, tilt table WBV could be a supplementary opportunity to enlarge the established therapy and training regimens.
Martin Runge; Jörn Rittweger. Whole-Body Vibration in Geriatric Rehabilitation. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 255 -268.
AMA StyleMartin Runge, Jörn Rittweger. Whole-Body Vibration in Geriatric Rehabilitation. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():255-268.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartin Runge; Jörn Rittweger. 2020. "Whole-Body Vibration in Geriatric Rehabilitation." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 255-268.
Vibrations are mechanical oscillations. They can be described by frequency, amplitude, phase and shape. There are several ways to describe amplitude, and these different terms cannot be used interchangeably. Moreover, each of these terms indicates different physical properties of the vibration signal, and thus has different relevance for benefits and risks by vibration exercise and therapy. Vibrations can naturally emerge in systems that allow transfer between different types of energy, e.g., between potential and kinetic energy (pendulum) or between elastic and kinetic energy (spring-mass oscillator). Driven vibrations are generated by actuators that impose their own frequency onto another system. Resonance occurs when an actuator excites a natural oscillator at its preferred frequency, the so-called eigenfrequency. Analysis of oscillatory signals has traditionally been performed with spectral analysis, which is based on Fourier’s harmonic analysis. More recently, wavelet analysis has been proposed for time-variant signals. A third opportunity is offered by averaging methods, such as peri-stimulus plots and peri-stimulus histograms, in particular when the shape of complex oscillations is of interest.
Jörn Rittweger; Redha Taiar. The Physics of Vibration. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy 2020, 3 -21.
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger, Redha Taiar. The Physics of Vibration. Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy. 2020; ():3-21.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger; Redha Taiar. 2020. "The Physics of Vibration." Manual of Vibration Exercise and Vibration Therapy , no. : 3-21.
COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease which leads to several clinical conditions related to the dysfunction of the respiratory system along with other physical and psychological complaints. Severely affected patients are referred to intensive care units (ICUs), limiting their possibilities for physical exercise. Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise is a non-invasive, physical therapy, that has been suggested as part of the procedures involved with pulmonary rehabilitation, even in ICU settings. Therefore, in the current review, the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVEX) reviewed the potential of WBV exercise as a useful and safe intervention for the management of infected individuals with COVID-19 by mitigating the inactivity-related declines in physical condition and reducing the time in ICU. Recommendations regarding the reduction of fatigue and the risk of dyspnea, the improvement of the inflammatory and redox status favoring cellular homeostasis and the overall improvement in the quality of life are provided. Finally, practical applications for the use of this paradigm leading to a better prognosis in bed bound and ICU-bound subjects is proposed.
Borja Sañudo; Adérito Seixas; Rainer Gloeckl; Jörn Rittweger; Rainer Rawer; Redha Taiar; Eddy A. Van Der Zee; Marieke J.G. Van Heuvelen; Ana Cristina Lacerda; Alessandro Sartorio; Michael Bemben; Darryl Cochrane; Trentham Furness; Danúbia De Sá-Caputo; Mario Bernardo-Filho. Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise for Improving the Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review from the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3650 .
AMA StyleBorja Sañudo, Adérito Seixas, Rainer Gloeckl, Jörn Rittweger, Rainer Rawer, Redha Taiar, Eddy A. Van Der Zee, Marieke J.G. Van Heuvelen, Ana Cristina Lacerda, Alessandro Sartorio, Michael Bemben, Darryl Cochrane, Trentham Furness, Danúbia De Sá-Caputo, Mario Bernardo-Filho. Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise for Improving the Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review from the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (10):3650.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBorja Sañudo; Adérito Seixas; Rainer Gloeckl; Jörn Rittweger; Rainer Rawer; Redha Taiar; Eddy A. Van Der Zee; Marieke J.G. Van Heuvelen; Ana Cristina Lacerda; Alessandro Sartorio; Michael Bemben; Darryl Cochrane; Trentham Furness; Danúbia De Sá-Caputo; Mario Bernardo-Filho. 2020. "Potential Application of Whole Body Vibration Exercise for Improving the Clinical Conditions of COVID-19 Infected Individuals: A Narrative Review from the World Association of Vibration Exercise Experts (WAVex) Panel." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 10: 3650.
New Findings What is the central question of this study? It is well established that muscle and bone atrophy in conditions of inactivity or unloading, but there is little information regarding the effect of a hypoxic environment on the time course of these deconditioning physiological systems. What is the main finding and its importance? The main finding is that a horizontal 10 day bed rest in normoxia results in typical muscle atrophy, which is not aggravated by hypoxia. Changes in bone mineral content or in metabolism were not detected after either normoxic or hypoxic bed rest. Abstract Musculoskeletal atrophy constitutes a typical adaptation to inactivity and unloading of weightbearing bones. The reduced‐gravity environment in future Moon and Mars habitats is likely to be hypobaric hypoxic, and there is an urgent need to understand the effect of hypoxia on the process of inactivity‐induced musculoskeletal atrophy. This was the principal aim of the present study. Eleven males participated in three 10 day interventions: (i) hypoxic ambulatory confinement; (ii) hypoxic bed rest; and (iii) normoxic bed rest. Before and after the interventions, the muscle strength (isometric maximal voluntary contraction), mass (lean mass, by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry), cross‐sectional area and total bone mineral content (determined with peripheral quantitative computed tomography) of the participants were measured. Blood and urine samples were collected before and on the 1st, 4th and 10th day of the intervention and analysed for biomarkers of bone resorption and formation. There was a significant reduction in thigh and lower leg muscle mass and volume after both normoxic and hypoxic bed rests. Muscle strength loss was proportionately greater than the loss in muscle mass for both thigh and lower leg. There was no indication of bone loss. Furthermore, the biomarkers of resorption and formation were not affected by any of the interventions. There was no significant effect of hypoxia on the musculoskeletal variables. Short‐term normoxic (10 day) bed rest resulted in muscular deconditioning, but not in the loss of bone mineral content or changes in bone metabolism. Hypoxia did not modify these results.
Adam C. McDonnell; Ola Eiken; Petra Frings‐Meuthen; Joern Rittweger; Igor B. Mekjavic. The LunHab project: Muscle and bone alterations in male participants following a 10 day lunar habitat simulation. Experimental Physiology 2019, 104, 1250 -1261.
AMA StyleAdam C. McDonnell, Ola Eiken, Petra Frings‐Meuthen, Joern Rittweger, Igor B. Mekjavic. The LunHab project: Muscle and bone alterations in male participants following a 10 day lunar habitat simulation. Experimental Physiology. 2019; 104 (8):1250-1261.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdam C. McDonnell; Ola Eiken; Petra Frings‐Meuthen; Joern Rittweger; Igor B. Mekjavic. 2019. "The LunHab project: Muscle and bone alterations in male participants following a 10 day lunar habitat simulation." Experimental Physiology 104, no. 8: 1250-1261.
Bone loss continues to be a concern in spaceflight, with some crew members depicting local losses of up to 25% within a 6-month mission. Possible causes are direct or indirect effects by microgravity, radiation, dietary restriction, and atmospheric challenges. Despite their magnitude, bone losses have not yet led to increased fracture rates in astronauts returning from low-Earth orbit (LEO) missions. This could change for deep space missions, in particular to planets where falls and trauma will occur. Physical countermeasures, meant to provide musculoskeletal loading forces in the body’s lower half, are an important contribution to crew bone health. This requirement becomes an increasing imperative with prolonged missions. Forces and moments transmitted from exercise devices should therefore be considered at an early stage of the planning of space habitats. In addition, appropriate shielding against ionizing radiation, avoidance of exaggerated accumulation of CO2, and provision of a balanced diet will all contribute to bone health in astronaut crews.
Jörn Rittweger. Maintaining Crew Bone Health. Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats 2019, 1 -15.
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger. Maintaining Crew Bone Health. Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats. 2019; ():1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger. 2019. "Maintaining Crew Bone Health." Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats , no. : 1-15.
Galanin and adrenomedullin plasma responses to head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure have been studied previously. However, to what extent short-arm human centrifugation (SAHC) affects these responses is not known. In this study, we assessed how the application of variable gradients of accelerations (ΔGz) via shifting of the rotation axis during centrifugation affects selected hormonal responses. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis, that cardiovascular modulating hormones such as galanin and adrenomedullin will be higher in non-finishers (participants in whom at least one of the pre-defined criteria for presyncope was fulfilled) when compared to finishers (participants who completed the entire protocol in both sessions) during SAHC exposure. Twenty healthy subjects (10 women and 10 men) were exposed to two g-levels [1 Gz and 2.4 Gz at the feet (Gz_Feet)] in two positions (axis of rotation placed above the head and axis of rotation placed at the heart level). Elevated baseline levels of galanin appeared to predict orthostatic tolerance (p = 0.054) and seemed to support good orthostatic tolerance during 1 Gz_Feet SAHC (p = 0.034). In finishers, 2.4 Gz_Feet SAHC was associated with increased galanin levels after centrifugation (p = 0.007). For adrenomedullin, the hypothesized increases were observed after centrifugation at 1 Gz_Feet (p = 0.031), but not at 2.4 Gz_Feet, suggesting that other central mechanisms than local distribution of adrenomedullin predominate when coping with central hypovolemia induced by SAHC (p > 0.14). In conclusion, baseline galanin levels could potentially be used to predict development of presyncope in subjects. Furthermore, galanin levels increase during elevated levels of central hypovolemia and galanin responses appear to be important for coping with such challenges. Adrenomedullin release depends on degree of central hypovolemia induced fluid shifts and a subject’s ability to cope with such challenges. Our results suggest that the gradient of acceleration (ΔGz) is an innovative approach to quantify the grade of central hypovolemia and to assess neurohormonal responses in those that can tolerate (finishers) or not tolerate (non-finishers) artificial gravity (AG). As AG is being considered as a preventing tool for spaceflight induced deconditioning in future missions, understanding effects of AG on hormonal responses in subjects who develop presyncope is important.
Julia Winter; Charles Laing; Bernd Johannes; Edwin Mulder; Bianca Brix; Andreas Roessler; Johannes Reichmuth; Joern Rittweger; Nandu Goswami. Galanin and Adrenomedullin Plasma Responses During Artificial Gravity on a Human Short-Arm Centrifuge. Frontiers in Physiology 2019, 9, 1 .
AMA StyleJulia Winter, Charles Laing, Bernd Johannes, Edwin Mulder, Bianca Brix, Andreas Roessler, Johannes Reichmuth, Joern Rittweger, Nandu Goswami. Galanin and Adrenomedullin Plasma Responses During Artificial Gravity on a Human Short-Arm Centrifuge. Frontiers in Physiology. 2019; 9 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia Winter; Charles Laing; Bernd Johannes; Edwin Mulder; Bianca Brix; Andreas Roessler; Johannes Reichmuth; Joern Rittweger; Nandu Goswami. 2019. "Galanin and Adrenomedullin Plasma Responses During Artificial Gravity on a Human Short-Arm Centrifuge." Frontiers in Physiology 9, no. : 1.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/s41526-018-0052-1.].
Jörn Rittweger; Kirsten Albracht; Martin Flück; Severin Ruoss; Lorenza Brocca; Emanuela Longa; Manuela Moriggi; Olivier Seynnes; Irene Di Giulio; Leonardo Tenori; Alessia Vignoli; Miriam Capri; Cecilia Gelfi; Claudio Luchinat; Claudio Franceschi; Roberto Bottinelli; Paolo Cerretelli; Marco Narici. Author Correction: Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to longterm spaceflight. npj Microgravity 2018, 4, 23 .
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger, Kirsten Albracht, Martin Flück, Severin Ruoss, Lorenza Brocca, Emanuela Longa, Manuela Moriggi, Olivier Seynnes, Irene Di Giulio, Leonardo Tenori, Alessia Vignoli, Miriam Capri, Cecilia Gelfi, Claudio Luchinat, Claudio Franceschi, Roberto Bottinelli, Paolo Cerretelli, Marco Narici. Author Correction: Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to longterm spaceflight. npj Microgravity. 2018; 4 (1):23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger; Kirsten Albracht; Martin Flück; Severin Ruoss; Lorenza Brocca; Emanuela Longa; Manuela Moriggi; Olivier Seynnes; Irene Di Giulio; Leonardo Tenori; Alessia Vignoli; Miriam Capri; Cecilia Gelfi; Claudio Luchinat; Claudio Franceschi; Roberto Bottinelli; Paolo Cerretelli; Marco Narici. 2018. "Author Correction: Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to longterm spaceflight." npj Microgravity 4, no. 1: 23.
Spaceflight causes muscle wasting. The Sarcolab pilot study investigated two astronauts with regards to plantar flexor muscle size, architecture, and function, and to the underlying molecular adaptations in order to further the understanding of muscular responses to spaceflight and exercise countermeasures. Two crew members (A and B) spent 6 months in space. Crew member A trained less vigorously than B. Postflight, A showed substantial decrements in plantar flexor volume, muscle architecture, in strength and in fiber contractility, which was strongly mitigated in B. The difference between these crew members closely reflected FAK-Y397 abundance, a molecular marker of muscle’s loading history. Moreover, crew member A showed downregulation of contractile proteins and enzymes of anaerobic metabolism, as well as of systemic markers of energy and protein metabolism. However, both crew members exhibited decrements in muscular aerobic metabolism and phosphate high energy transfer. We conclude that countermeasures can be effective, particularly when resistive forces are of sufficient magnitude. However, to fully prevent space-related muscular deterioration, intersubject variability must be understood, and intensive exercise countermeasures programs seem mandatory. Finally, proteomic and metabolomic analyses suggest that exercise benefits in space may go beyond mere maintenance of muscle mass, but rather extend to the level of organismic metabolism. Physical activity with resistive forces helps preserve muscle volume, architecture and strength in space. A team led by Jörn Rittweger from the German Aerospace Center in Cologne studied two crew members who spent six months on board the International Space Station. During the Sarcolab pilot study, one of these astronauts performed less exercise than the other. After returning to Earth, the one who trained less showed more substantial deterioration of the plantar flexor muscle in the foot—a difference detectable also at the molecular level, with lower levels of proteins involved in anaerobic and aerobic muscle metabolism. The findings highlight the need to vigorously exercise in space to limit muscle weakness. Doing so does not seem to fully prevent space-related problems, though, as evidenced by signs of muscle wasting even in the astronaut who trained regularly.
Jörn Rittweger; Kirsten Albracht; Martin Flück; Severin Ruoss; Lorenza Brocca; Emanuela Longa; Manuela Moriggi; Olivier Seynnes; Irene Di Giulio; Leonardo Tenori; Alessia Vignoli; Miriam Capri; Cecilia Gelfi; Claudio Luchinat; Claudio Francheschi; Roberto Bottinelli; Paolo Cerretelli; Marco Narici. Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to long-term spaceflight. npj Microgravity 2018, 4, 1 -9.
AMA StyleJörn Rittweger, Kirsten Albracht, Martin Flück, Severin Ruoss, Lorenza Brocca, Emanuela Longa, Manuela Moriggi, Olivier Seynnes, Irene Di Giulio, Leonardo Tenori, Alessia Vignoli, Miriam Capri, Cecilia Gelfi, Claudio Luchinat, Claudio Francheschi, Roberto Bottinelli, Paolo Cerretelli, Marco Narici. Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to long-term spaceflight. npj Microgravity. 2018; 4 (1):1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJörn Rittweger; Kirsten Albracht; Martin Flück; Severin Ruoss; Lorenza Brocca; Emanuela Longa; Manuela Moriggi; Olivier Seynnes; Irene Di Giulio; Leonardo Tenori; Alessia Vignoli; Miriam Capri; Cecilia Gelfi; Claudio Luchinat; Claudio Francheschi; Roberto Bottinelli; Paolo Cerretelli; Marco Narici. 2018. "Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle’s adaptation to long-term spaceflight." npj Microgravity 4, no. 1: 1-9.