Hypo-activity induced skeletal muscle atrophy and potential nutritional interventions: A review

Core Tip

Core tip: This review summarises and compares the morphological, strength and fatigability changes in response to different models of hypo-activity. The hypo-activity models include de-training, bed-rest, immobilisation and unilateral lower limb suspension. There is a step-wise difference in the magnitude of muscle and somewhat strength losses so that, even after accounting for differential durations of interventions immobilisation ≥ unilateral lower limb suspension ≥ bed-rest ≥ de-training. Muscle fatigability varies between hypo-activity models but the results are equivocal and this may be due to task-specific adaptations. This review also highlights several potential nutritional interventions for attenuating hypo-activity induced changes.