What is loss of strength?
Loss of strength refers to a reduction in the ability to exert force with your muscles. This can occur due to various reasons:
Muscle atrophy - Muscle atrophy is when muscles become smaller and weaker. This happens from lack of use, such as during immobilization from injury. Muscle loss can be significant within only a couple of weeks. - Common causes are casting, splinting, bedrest, and reduced activity levels. Up to 20% loss in strength per week has been reported in some studies of immobilization.
Neurological dysfunction - Strength relies on proper signaling between the nervous system and muscles. Nerve damage or diseases affecting this process can substantially reduce strength. - Examples include spinal cord injuries, peripheral neuropathy, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain–Barré syndrome.
Muscular dystrophies - These diseases cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle tissue, leading to loss of strength and function. - Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common and severe forms, affecting boys.
Aging sarcopenia - After age 50, adults lose up to 3% of muscle per year. This makes regular tasks more challenging. - Sarcopenia refers specifically to loss that occurs with aging. Staying active provides some protection against severe sarcopenia.
Disuse atrophy - Simply not using your muscles can result in atrophy and weakness over time. An unused muscle can decrease strength by 1% per day. - Sedentary lifestyles put people at particular risk. This also occurs during space travel when gravity is not acting on astronauts' bodies.
Malnutrition - Lack of good nutrition prevents muscles from rebuilding and maintaining their strength effectively. This includes deficiency in protein, calories, vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants.
Proper exercise and nutrition can help prevent or slow strength loss in some cases. Working closely with your healthcare provider at Rejuvenate Clinic allows maximizing quality of life through tailored treatment plans for your unique situation.