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Researchers Grow Muscles in Lab, Then Exercise Them Prior to Implantation

The scientists compared four groups of mice.  One group received no surgical repair. The other groups received implants prepared in one of three ways: one was not exercised before implantation, one was exercised for five to seven days, and one had extra cells added midway through the exercise process.

The results showed that exercising the implants made a significant difference in both muscle development and function. “The implant that wasn’t exercised, or pre-conditioned, was able to accelerate the repair process, but recovery then stopped,” said Christ. “On the other hand, when you exercise the implant, there is a more prolonged and extensive functional recovery. Through exercising the implant, you can increase both the rate and the magnitude of the recovery.”

A variety of laboratory tests were used to measure results. A test of muscle force at two months, for example, showed that animals who received the implants with extra cells added had a threefold increase in absolute force compared to animals whose muscle damage was not repaired. The force-producing capacity of muscle is what determines the ability to perform everyday tasks.

(via Lab-engineered muscle implants restore function in animal studies | KurzweilAI)