What's New In Science?
The vagus nerve region that bypasses the abdominal area can not only regulate satiety but also motivation and pleasure. So, it is not just the brain that regulates these behaviors. In a recent study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Ivan de Araujo, found that the right vagus nerve contains “reward neurons” that functions similarly to those in the central nervous system (CNS). The left vagus nerve, however, is linked with satiety, not reward. This may partially explain why some people continue to look for something to eat even though they feel full, like a sweet snack.
They also found that the left and right branches of the vagus nerve ascend asymmetrically into the CNS, where the right branch connects to the reward neurons in the brainstem that hold dopamine. This finding may yield better treatments to help those with eating disorders.
A Spanish study of 54 adults who had shoulder pain for more than three months were compared with matching control group who had no pain. Using ultrasound, the researcher measured the pectoralis minor’s length with the shoulder at 0° and 60° of shoulder elevation, who were blinded to the measurement (an assistant recorded the results) and who was pain or not. They found that the length of the pec minor and shoulder range of motion were not reliable indicators of shoulder pain.
They conclude that its length “is not a distinguishing factor in shoulder assessment when a chronic condition exists, and it seems not to play a key role in pain perception and ROM.” Clinicians should also consider the multifactorial nature of pain beyond the biomechanical lens, such as central and peripheral sensitization and patients’ beliefs about pain.
Vagus Nerve Within Gut Region Plays Role in Eating Motivation & Food Rewards
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Shortened Pectoralis Muscle Is Not Associated with Shoulder Pain.
It may be better to train with free weights with more than one joint movement than just doing isolation exercises that targets the core muscles, like planks and sit-ups. Researchers from the University of Florida reviewed the literature of EMG activity on the lumbar multifidi, quadratus lumbroum, and transverse abdominis. They found that the multifidus had greater activation during free weight exercises than core exercises with or without a ball or balance devices. While the similar results were found with the transverse abdominis, there was no difference in muscle activation for the quadratus lumborum.
“The available evidence suggests that strength and conditioning specialists should focus on implementing multijoint free weight exercises, rather than core-specific exercises, to adequately train the core muscles in their athletes and clients.”
Multi-joint Exercises Are Better in Conditioning the Core Than Core Isolation
Image: Anatomography