The findings of a groundbreaking study led by Ritu Raman at MIT were published on November 12, 2024, in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.

This research highlights a previously underexplored direct relationship between muscle activity and nerve growth.

It is the first study to establish that both biochemical signals and physical impacts from muscle activity are crucial for nerve growth.

Researchers discovered that exercise promotes neuron growth through myokines—biochemical signals released during muscle activity—and through physical stretching.

Neurons exposed to myokines grew four times further than those without exposure, indicating a significant biochemical effect on nerve growth.

The current study involved genetically modifying muscle cells to contract in response to light, enabling controlled exercise simulations for research.

Raman suggests that these insights could lead to therapies for nerve injuries, potentially restoring mobility lost due to such injuries or neurodegenerative diseases.

These findings suggest new avenues for treating nerve damage and could lead to therapies for repairing damaged nerves.

Future research will investigate how targeted muscle stimulation can promote healing in damaged nerves and improve mobility for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.

By isolating the effects of exercise on muscle and nerve tissue, the researchers grew mouse muscle cells into a sheet of mature muscle tissue and collected myokine-rich solutions after exercise simulation.

The study emphasizes the reciprocal communication between muscles and nerves, challenging the traditional view that nerves solely control muscle function.

Overall, the study reinforces the importance of exercise as a therapeutic approach for promoting nerve health and recovery.