Alterations in energy expenditure and muscle performance following short-term muscle immobilization and rehabilitative exercise in mice

Short-term immobilization induces both structural and functional impairments and maladaptive systemic metabolic alteration such as enhanced fat oxidation and increased energy cost due to potential inefficiency. In contrast, rehabilitative exercise effectively restores muscle mass and function and supports metabolic flexibility. These findings underscore the importance of early low-intensity exercise as a strategy to preserve muscular and metabolic health during recovery from muscle immobilization.