A new study by MIT engineers reveals that exercise benefits not just muscles but also neurons. The research demonstrates that muscle contractions release biochemical signals, known as myokines, which significantly promote nerve growth. When exposed to these signals, neurons grew four times farther compared to neurons without this biochemical influence.
Additionally, the study found that neurons also respond to physical stimuli. Mimicking the mechanical forces of exercise, such as stretching and contracting, led to similar levels of neuron growth. This highlights that both the biochemical and physical effects of exercise are equally important for nerve health and development.
These findings suggest that targeted muscle stimulation could be a therapeutic approach to repairing nerve damage or restoring mobility in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases or injuries. The study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, marks a step forward in understanding the “muscle-nerve crosstalk” and its potential for developing exercise-related therapies.
The research opens doors to further exploration of how controlled exercise could be used as a form of medicine to heal and grow damaged nerves.
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