EFFECT OF UNWEIGHTING ON SKELETAL-MUSCLE USE DURING EXERCISE

Exercise-induced spin-spin relaxation time (T-2) shifts in magnetic re sonance (MR) images were used to test the hypothesis that more muscle would be used to perform a given submaximal task after 5 wk of unweigh ting. Before and after unilateral lower Limb suspension (ULLS), 7 subj ects performed 5 sets of 10 unilateral concentric actions with the qua driceps femoris muscle group (QF) at each of 4 loads: 25, 40, 55, and 70% of maximum. T-2-weighted MR images of the thigh were collected at rest and after each relative load. ULLS elicited a 20% decrease in str ength of the left unweighted QF and a 14% decrease in average cross-se ctional area (CSA) with no changes in the right weight-bearing QF. Ave rage CSA of the left or right QF showing exercise-induced T-2 shift in creased as a function of exercise intensity both before and after ULLS . On average, 12 +/- 1, 15 +/- 2, 18 +/- 2, and 22 +/- 1 cm(2) of eith er QF showed elevated T-2 for the 25, 40, 55, and 70% loads, respectiv ely, before ULLS. Average CSA of the left but not the right QF, showin g elevated T-2 after ULLS, was increased to 16 +/- 2, 23 +/- 3, 31 +/ 7, and 39 +/- 5 cm(2), respectively. The results indicated that unweig hting increased exercise-induced T-2 shift in MR images, presumably du e to greater muscle mass involvement in exercise after than before unw eighting, suggesting a change in motor control.