Skeletal Muscle Damage and Repair

Professionals and students interested in understanding the physiological mechanisms of skeletal muscle damage and repair will welcome this uniquely comprehensive text. Presenting both research-based information and applied clinical topics, Skeletal Muscle Damage and Repair assists readers in understanding the interrelationships of basic physiology, specific populations, and practical treatments for muscle injury and damage. The text covers a broad spectrum of topics: The basic science and scientific methods used to investigate exercise-related muscle damage and repair A review of current research related to the mechanisms of muscle damage, physiological responses to damage, and subsequent methods of muscle repair An examination of issues specific to various populations, including the elderly, diabetics, people with muscular dystrophies, and elite athletes An evaluation of other practical topics as they apply to muscle damage and repair, such as gender and hormonal influences, effects on gait mechanics, the impact in workplace settings, and the issue of high-responder individuals who seem extraordinarily susceptible to muscle damage A critical analysis of the efficacy of various popular treatment modalities, including massage, ultrasound, trigger-point therapy, physical therapy, nutraceutical interventions, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment The text is organized into 21 chapters, each written by an internationally acclaimed researcher or research group who are experts in their field. Chapters are grouped into three parts covering a wide range of both current research and clinical topics related to skeletal muscle damage and repair mechanisms and their applications. Part I presents the physical mechanisms of muscle damage, inflammation, and repair. Part II addresses muscle damage and repair mechanisms and issues in specific populations, including older adults, diabetics, and athletes. Part III considers the influences of treatment interventions on muscle repair and healing. The combination of the three parts culminates in a thorough understanding of muscle damage and repair. Skeletal Muscle Damage and Repair promotes an understanding of the physiological mechanisms of skeletal muscle damage and repair vital for many health professionals, therapists, kinesiologists, and physical educators. This comprehensive text exposes professionals, clinicians, and researchers to a range of issues related to muscle damage and repair. It also encourages communication between researchers interested in the mechanisms of muscle damage and repair and practitioners who treat muscle injury in various populations.