Muscle Atrophy, Voluntary Activation Disturbances, and Low Serum Concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 Are Associated With Weakness in People With Chronic Stroke

Author(s)

Silva-Couto, Marcela de Abreu ^[1] ; Prado-Medeiros, Christiane Lanatovitz ^[1] ; Oliveira, Ana Beatriz ^[1] ; Alcantara, Carolina Carmona ^[1] ; Guimaraes, Araci Teixeira ^[1] ; Salvini, Tania de Fatima ^[1] ; Mattioli, Rosana ^[1] ; de Russo, Thiago Luiz ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, BR-13565905 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Lab Pesquisa Fisioterapia Neurol LaFiN, BR-13565905 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Phys Therapy, BR-13565905 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSICAL THERAPY; v. 94, n. 7, p. 957-967, JUL 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 19

Abstract

Background. The muscle weakness that is exhibited poststroke is due to a multifactorial etiology involving the central nervous system and skeletal muscle changes. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) have been described as biomarkers of neuromuscular performance in many conditions. However, no information about these biomarkers is available for people with chronic hemiparesis. Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible factors involved in muscle weakness, such as IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum concentrations, muscle volume, and neuromuscular performance of the knee flexors and extensors, in people with chronic hemiparesis poststroke. Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed on 14 individuals poststroke who were paired with healthy controls. Mobility, function, balance, and quality of life were recorded as outcome measures. Knee flexor and extensor muscle volumes and neuromuscular performance were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, dynamometry, and electromyography. The serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. The hemiparetic group had low serum concentrations of IGF-1 (25%) and IGFBP-3 (40%); reduced muscle volume in the vastus medialis (32%), vastus intermedius (29%), biceps femoris (16%), and semitendinosus and semimembranosus (12%) muscles; reduced peak torque, power, and work of the knee flexors and extensors; and altered agonist and antagonist muscle activation compared with controls. Conclusions. Low serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, deficits in neuromuscular performance, selective muscle atrophy, and decreased agonist muscle activation were found in the group with chronic hemiparesis poststroke. Both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were considered, and the data reflect a chronic poststroke population with good function. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/11228-7 - Effects of eccentric strengthening on knee flexors and extensors muscle volume and performance in chronic hemiparesis
• Grantee: Tania de Fatima Salvini
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/02703-3 - Correlation between IGF-1 and IGBP-3 serum levels and the muscle volume and performance in chronic hemiparetic individuals
• Grantee: Thiago Luiz de Russo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants