IMPACT OF HEAT THERAPY ON SKELETAL MUSCLE FUNCTION IN A MODEL OF DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Current study demonstrated the impact of heat therapy on skeletal muscle function in a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to: (1) examine the impact of treatment temperature on the skeletal muscle adaptation in DBA/2J mice; and (2) determine the impact of repeated HT for 3 consecutive weeks on body composition and skeletal muscle function in D2.mdx, a model of DMD. From study 1, we revealed that HT at 39℃ for 3 weeks significantly promoted relative muscle mass of both EDL and soleus muscle in DBA/2J mice. However, from study 2, HT at 39℃ for 3 weeks does not improve muscle function or increase muscle mass in a mouse model of DMD.