Bouts of passive stretching after immobilization of the rat soleus muscle increase collagen macromolecular organization and muscle fiber area

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Author(s):	Coutinho‚ E.L. ; DeLuca‚ C. ; Salvini‚ T.F. ; Vidal‚ B.C. Total Authors: 4
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	Connective Tissue Research; v. 47, n. 5, p. 278-286, 2006.
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of short bouts of stretching on the soleus muscle after immobilization, by measuring the birefringence of the intramuscular connective tissue (ICT) and the muscle fiber area. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: the left soleus was immobilized in the shortened position; after immobilization the animals remained free; after immobilization, the soleus was stretched daily (10 stretches of 60 sec followed by 30 sec rest); after immobilization, the soleus was stretched 3 times a week; control. Immobilization caused a loss of birefringence of the ICT and of muscle fiber area and only daily stretching increased both compared with the control (p < 0.01). In conclusion, short daily bouts of stretching after immobilization induced molecular reorganization of the collagen bundles and muscle fiber hypertrophy in the rat soleus. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	03/04597-0 - Molecular order and supramolecular organization of collagen bundles: differences in functionality, as a supposed effect of expression of pathogenesis, and methodological contribution
Grantee:	Benedicto de Campos Vidal
Support Opportunities:	Regular Research Grants