TRAIL

Use it or lose it

A 2015 study from the University of Copenhagen showed that wearing an immobilising knee brace for just two weeks caused men in their twenties to lose 22 to 34 per cent of their leg muscle strength, while men in their sixties lost 20 to 26 per cent.

It took them six weeks of exercising 3-4 times a week on a bicycle to restore the leg muscle size and ability to exercise. Even that did not fully restore the leg muscle strength.

This study demonstrates some significant points:

• When muscles of young men are immobilised for two weeks,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from TRAIL

TRAIL4 min read
Keep It Fresh
Just four years later, they made ripples in the community by staging South Africa’s first 200 miler at their 2021 Mac Mac Ultra. Kirsten Arnold chatted to them. In the same year they also hosted the new Kaapsehoop Mountain Ultra (offering a long even
TRAIL3 min read
YOUR WORDS Your Viewpoint
I may be in my mid-forties, but I am still a great believer in having heroes who inspire you. I had the great privilege of meeting one of mine at a 2021 social presented by Hangklip Athletics Club. That a giant of the trail running world would take t
TRAIL1 min read
Tibialis Anterior Strain
Tim’s first symptom was a hard lump in the middle third of his lower shin. With continued running, it was soon joined by significant pain and swelling. Diagnosis after his return: possible muscle herniation of the tibialis anterior muscle through the

Related