VI.   RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Resistance exercise defined as muscle movement against a resistance such as weight is a potent anabolic stimulus. Endurance exercise however does not preserve lean mass. The mechanism remains unclear but is likely the result of local muscle effects and an overall systemic response. When initiated in the catabolic state, resistance exercise diminishes the degree of protein loss. Increasing lean body mass in the elderly and chronically ill population by this approach can markedly decrease disability. Large-muscle exercise should be given priority, because this training can significantly reduce muscle loss and accelerate gain. In a burn injury or wound patient population in whom catabolism is pronounced, an aggressive, early program of resistance exercise that continues through the recovery phase is of major importance as an additional anabolic stimulus.

In turn, lack of resistance exercise as occurs with bed rest, a fixed splint or general inactivity will lead to muscle atrophy (net catabolism) in addition to that caused by the burn.

Resistance Exercise increased muscle fiber stretch and force local anabolic activity increased muscle protein synthesis can increase endogenous HGH preservation of lean mass