What Is Muscle Atrophy? Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Muscle atrophy signifies a decrease in muscle mass, and at WHAT.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to offering understandable explanations and solutions to your health inquiries. Whether it’s disuse atrophy, neurogenic atrophy, or understanding the complexities of muscle wasting, gaining insights into its causes, symptoms, and treatments can empower you to take proactive steps towards maintaining your health and well-being. Explore the vital roles of physical therapy, strength training, and potential treatments to mitigate muscle loss and improve your quality of life.

1. Understanding What Is Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy refers to the decrease in the size of muscle tissue. It happens when muscles aren’t used as much as they usually are or when there is a problem that stops the muscles from working correctly. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, although it is more prevalent among older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions. Understanding muscle atrophy is crucial for early detection and management, helping you to maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle atrophy can manifest in various forms, each stemming from different underlying causes. Understanding these types can help in identifying the root issue and tailoring appropriate interventions. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of muscle atrophy:

• Disuse Atrophy: This occurs when muscles are not used for an extended period. Common causes include sedentary lifestyles, prolonged bed rest due to illness or injury, or immobilization of a limb in a cast. The lack of physical activity leads to the breakdown of muscle fibers, reducing muscle mass and strength.

• Neurogenic Atrophy: This type of atrophy is caused by nerve damage or diseases affecting the nerves that control muscle function. Conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, or peripheral neuropathy can disrupt the nerve signals to muscles, leading to muscle wasting.

• Age-Related Atrophy (Sarcopenia): As people age, they naturally experience a gradual decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. This age-related muscle atrophy is influenced by factors like decreased hormone production, reduced physical activity, and inadequate nutrition.

• Nutritional Atrophy: Malnutrition or inadequate protein intake can lead to muscle atrophy. When the body doesn’t receive enough nutrients, it may break down muscle tissue to meet its energy needs.

• Endocrine Atrophy: Hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, can contribute to muscle atrophy. Conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can disrupt muscle metabolism and promote muscle loss.

• Cachexia: This is a severe form of muscle wasting associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart failure, and HIV/AIDS. Cachexia is characterized by significant weight loss, muscle atrophy, and fatigue, often resulting from a combination of reduced food intake and increased metabolic demands.

• Localized Atrophy: This refers to muscle atrophy that affects specific muscle groups or areas of the body. It can result from localized nerve damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or Bell’s palsy, or from injuries that limit the use of certain muscles.

Recognizing the specific type of muscle atrophy is essential for guiding appropriate treatment strategies. Disuse atrophy may benefit from physical therapy and exercise, while neurogenic atrophy may require interventions targeting nerve function. Age-related atrophy can be managed through a combination of exercise, nutrition, and hormone therapy. Understanding the underlying cause allows for a more targeted approach to minimize muscle loss and improve overall function.

2. Causes of Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy can stem from various factors, each impacting muscle tissue differently. The primary causes include:

• Immobility: Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as bed rest or sedentary lifestyles, lead to disuse atrophy. When muscles aren’t regularly used, they weaken and shrink.

• Neurological Conditions: Diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy can damage the nerves that control muscle movement. This disruption causes neurogenic atrophy, where muscles waste away due to lack of nerve stimulation.

• Malnutrition: Insufficient protein and calorie intake can deprive muscles of the necessary building blocks for maintenance and growth. This nutritional deficiency leads to muscle atrophy as the body breaks down muscle tissue for energy.

• Aging: Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, is a natural process that typically begins in the 30s and accelerates with age. Reduced hormone production, decreased physical activity, and poor nutrition contribute to this condition.

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, directly affect muscle tissue, causing progressive muscle weakness and atrophy.

• Medical Treatments: Treatments like chemotherapy or long-term corticosteroid use can have catabolic effects on muscles, leading to muscle atrophy as a side effect.

• Injuries: Traumatic injuries that limit the use of a limb or muscle group can result in localized muscle atrophy. The affected muscles weaken and shrink due to reduced activity during the recovery period.

Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and targeted treatment strategies. For instance, patients undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from surgery need tailored nutritional and exercise plans to mitigate muscle loss. If you’re curious about what causes muscle atrophy and how you can address it, WHAT.EDU.VN is here to provide clear, accessible information.

3. Recognizing the Symptoms of Muscle Atrophy

Recognizing the symptoms of muscle atrophy early is crucial for timely intervention and effective management. Key symptoms include:

• Visible Reduction in Muscle Mass: One of the most apparent signs of muscle atrophy is a noticeable decrease in the size of the affected muscle. This can be observed by comparing the size of the affected limb or muscle group with its counterpart.

• Weakness: Muscle atrophy leads to a decrease in strength and endurance. Individuals may find it difficult to perform tasks that were once easy, such as lifting objects, climbing stairs, or maintaining balance.

• Difficulty with Movement: As muscles weaken, movement becomes more challenging. This can manifest as reduced range of motion, stiffness, or an overall feeling of heaviness in the affected area.

• Fatigue: Muscle atrophy can cause persistent fatigue, even after minimal physical activity. The weakened muscles require more effort to perform tasks, leading to increased tiredness and reduced energy levels.

• Balance Problems: Weak leg muscles can lead to balance issues and increase the risk of falls. This is particularly common in older adults with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).

• Numbness or Tingling: In cases of neurogenic atrophy, where nerve damage is the underlying cause, individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected area.

• Pain: While muscle atrophy itself is not always painful, it can be associated with discomfort, particularly if it is caused by an underlying condition like arthritis or nerve compression.

• Change in Muscle Tone: Atrophied muscles may feel soft or flabby to the touch, rather than firm and toned. This change in muscle tone can be a subtle but noticeable sign of muscle loss.

• Asymmetry: Comparing both sides of the body can reveal asymmetry in muscle size. If one limb or muscle group appears significantly smaller than the other, it could indicate muscle atrophy.

• Changes in Gait: Weak leg muscles can affect the way a person walks, leading to changes in gait patterns. This may manifest as a shuffling gait, limping, or difficulty lifting the feet off the ground.

Early detection of these symptoms allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment, helping to slow or even reverse muscle loss. If you notice any of these signs, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for proper evaluation and management. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we aim to provide accessible information to help you recognize and address muscle atrophy effectively.

4. Diagnosing Muscle Atrophy

Diagnosing muscle atrophy involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. The diagnostic process typically includes:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will assess muscle size, strength, and tone. They may measure the circumference of limbs or use manual muscle testing to evaluate strength.

• Medical History: A detailed medical history helps identify potential causes, such as previous injuries, neurological conditions, or chronic illnesses.

• Imaging Studies:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of muscles and nerves, helping to identify structural abnormalities or nerve damage.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan): CT scans can assess muscle density and identify muscle wasting.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound can visualize muscle tissue and detect atrophy.

• Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. It helps determine if muscle atrophy is due to nerve damage or muscle disorders.

• Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests assess the speed at which electrical impulses travel along nerves, helping to identify nerve damage that may cause muscle atrophy.

• Muscle Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of muscle tissue is taken for examination under a microscope. This can help diagnose specific muscle disorders or genetic conditions.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help rule out underlying medical conditions that may contribute to muscle atrophy, such as thyroid disorders, infections, or inflammatory conditions.

• Genetic Testing: If a genetic disorder is suspected, genetic testing can identify specific gene mutations associated with muscle atrophy.

The diagnostic process aims to determine the extent and cause of muscle atrophy. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

5. Treatment Options for Muscle Atrophy

The treatment of muscle atrophy focuses on addressing the underlying cause and promoting muscle growth and strength. Effective treatment strategies include:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a cornerstone of muscle atrophy treatment. It involves exercises and techniques designed to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

  • Resistance Training: Exercises using weights, resistance bands, or body weight help to strengthen weakened muscles.

  • Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance.

  • Stretching: Stretching exercises enhance flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.

• Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition is essential for muscle growth and repair.

  • High-Protein Diet: Consuming adequate protein (around 0.8-1 gram per kilogram of body weight) provides the building blocks for muscle tissue.

  • Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports overall health and muscle function.

  • Supplementation: In some cases, supplements like creatine or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may be recommended to support muscle growth.

• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of muscle atrophy, medications may be prescribed.

  • Hormone Therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy may be used to treat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) in men.

  • Medications for Neurological Conditions: Medications to manage conditions like multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy can help slow down muscle atrophy.

  • Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medications to reduce inflammation may be used to alleviate pain and promote muscle healing.

• Assistive Devices: Assistive devices can help individuals with muscle atrophy maintain independence and mobility.

  • Braces and Supports: Braces and supports provide stability and support to weakened muscles and joints.

  • Mobility Aids: Canes, walkers, or wheelchairs can help individuals with mobility limitations move around safely.

• Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation involves using electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to muscles, causing them to contract. This can help strengthen weakened muscles and improve muscle function.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing muscle atrophy.

  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and strength.

  • Healthy Diet: Consuming a healthy, balanced diet provides the nutrients needed for muscle health.

  • Smoking Cessation: Smoking can impair muscle function and contribute to muscle atrophy.

  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to muscle atrophy. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress levels.

The treatment approach for muscle atrophy is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and underlying cause. A multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapists, nutritionists, and physicians is often necessary for optimal outcomes.

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6. Preventing Muscle Atrophy

Preventing muscle atrophy involves adopting lifestyle habits that promote muscle health and overall well-being. Key strategies include:

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and strength.

  • Strength Training: Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, help to build and maintain muscle mass.

  • Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance.

  • Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises help to maintain flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.

• Balanced Nutrition: Consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for muscle health.

  • Protein Intake: Aim to consume adequate protein (around 0.8-1 gram per kilogram of body weight) to provide the building blocks for muscle tissue.

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for muscle function and bone health.

  • Calcium: Calcium is essential for muscle contraction and bone strength.

• Active Lifestyle: Maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the day can help prevent muscle atrophy.

  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Take breaks from sitting to stand up and move around every 30 minutes.

  • Incorporate Physical Activity: Find opportunities to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking during lunch breaks or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Manage Underlying Conditions: Managing underlying medical conditions can help prevent muscle atrophy.

  • Neurological Conditions: Work with a healthcare team to manage neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.

  • Chronic Illnesses: Properly manage chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease to prevent muscle atrophy.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can impair muscle function and contribute to muscle atrophy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

• Smoking Cessation: Smoking can impair muscle function and contribute to muscle atrophy. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and prevent muscle loss.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to muscle atrophy. Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress levels.

By adopting these preventive measures, individuals can minimize their risk of developing muscle atrophy and maintain muscle health throughout their lives.

7. The Role of Exercise in Combating Muscle Atrophy

Exercise is a powerful tool in combating muscle atrophy, offering numerous benefits for muscle health and overall well-being. The primary role of exercise is to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, the process by which muscles repair and rebuild themselves after physical activity. This helps to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance.

• Strength Training: Strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, are particularly effective for combating muscle atrophy. These exercises work by placing stress on the muscles, which triggers the body to repair and strengthen the muscle fibers.

  • Weight Lifting: Lifting weights challenges muscles and stimulates growth, helping to increase muscle mass and strength.

  • Resistance Bands: Resistance bands provide a portable and versatile way to perform strength training exercises at home or on the go.

  • Bodyweight Exercises: Bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, use your own body weight as resistance to strengthen muscles.

• Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance. While they may not directly build muscle mass, they can help to improve muscle function and prevent muscle atrophy.

  • Walking: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

  • Swimming: Swimming is a full-body aerobic exercise that is gentle on the joints.

  • Cycling: Cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular health and leg strength.

• Neuromuscular Training: Neuromuscular training exercises, such as balance exercises and coordination drills, can help improve muscle function and prevent falls.

  • Balance Exercises: Balance exercises, such as standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe, can help improve balance and stability.

  • Coordination Drills: Coordination drills, such as catching a ball or doing agility exercises, can help improve muscle coordination and reaction time.

In addition to stimulating muscle protein synthesis, exercise can also help to improve muscle function, increase muscle flexibility, and reduce muscle stiffness. It can also help to improve overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

For individuals with muscle atrophy, exercise should be approached gradually and under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist. They can help to develop an exercise program that is safe and effective for your individual needs and abilities.

8. Nutritional Strategies to Support Muscle Regrowth

Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting muscle regrowth and preventing further muscle atrophy. Consuming the right nutrients can provide the building blocks needed for muscle repair and growth, helping to restore muscle mass and strength.

• Protein Intake: Protein is the primary building block of muscle tissue. Consuming adequate protein is essential for muscle regrowth and repair.

  • Recommended Intake: Aim to consume around 0.8-1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

  • Protein Sources: Choose high-quality protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

  • Timing: Distribute protein intake evenly throughout the day to maximize muscle protein synthesis.

• Caloric Intake: Consuming enough calories is important for providing the energy needed for muscle growth and repair.

  • Sufficient Calories: Ensure that you are consuming enough calories to support your activity level and muscle regrowth goals.

  • Caloric Surplus: In some cases, a slight caloric surplus may be necessary to promote muscle growth.

• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts and help to replenish glycogen stores in muscles.

  • Complex Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy.

  • Timing: Consume carbohydrates before and after workouts to fuel activity and replenish glycogen stores.

• Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are important for overall health and hormone production, which can support muscle growth.

  • Unsaturated Fats: Choose unsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid muscle recovery.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in muscle function and overall health.

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for muscle function and bone health.

  • Calcium: Calcium is essential for muscle contraction and bone strength.

  • Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in muscle function, nerve function, and energy production.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for muscle function and overall health.

  • Water Intake: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

  • Electrolytes: Replenish electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise.

In addition to these nutritional strategies, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, to support muscle regrowth and overall well-being.

9. The Psychological Impact of Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is not just a physical condition; it can also have significant psychological effects on individuals. The loss of muscle mass and strength can lead to a range of emotional and mental health challenges, impacting self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life.

• Loss of Independence: Muscle atrophy can limit the ability to perform daily tasks, leading to a loss of independence. Individuals may rely on others for assistance with activities such as dressing, bathing, or cooking, which can be frustrating and demoralizing.

• Decreased Self-Esteem: The physical changes associated with muscle atrophy can lead to decreased self-esteem and body image issues. Individuals may feel self-conscious about their appearance and may avoid social situations as a result.

• Social Isolation: Muscle atrophy can make it difficult to participate in social activities, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Individuals may feel excluded from social gatherings or may be unable to engage in hobbies they once enjoyed.

• Depression and Anxiety: Muscle atrophy can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. The loss of physical function and independence can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, while the uncertainty about the future can trigger anxiety.

• Fear of Falling: Weakened muscles can increase the risk of falls, leading to a fear of falling. This fear can limit physical activity and further contribute to muscle atrophy.

• Frustration and Anger: Muscle atrophy can be frustrating and anger-inducing, especially when it interferes with daily activities or prevents individuals from pursuing their goals.

• Changes in Body Image: Muscle atrophy can alter body shape, and make individuals feel self-conscious.

Addressing the psychological impact of muscle atrophy is an important part of overall management. Strategies such as counseling, support groups, and mindfulness practices can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges associated with the condition.

• Counseling: Counseling can provide individuals with a safe and supportive space to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies.

• Support Groups: Support groups can connect individuals with others who are experiencing similar challenges, providing a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.

• Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help individuals manage stress and anxiety.

• Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem.

• Social Engagement: Maintaining social connections and participating in social activities can help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

By addressing the psychological impact of muscle atrophy, individuals can improve their overall quality of life and enhance their ability to cope with the condition.

10. Innovative Technologies and Future Directions in Muscle Atrophy Research

The field of muscle atrophy research is rapidly evolving, with innovative technologies and approaches offering new insights into the causes, prevention, and treatment of muscle loss. These advancements hold promise for improving the lives of individuals affected by muscle atrophy and enhancing our understanding of muscle health.

• Gene Therapy: Gene therapy involves introducing genetic material into cells to treat or prevent disease. In the context of muscle atrophy, gene therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for genetic muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy.

• Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissue. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into muscle cells, making them a promising therapeutic option for muscle atrophy.

• Myokine Research: Myokines are proteins released by muscles during exercise that have beneficial effects on other tissues and organs. Research into myokines is uncovering new ways in which exercise can promote muscle health and overall well-being.

• Targeted Drug Therapies: Researchers are developing targeted drug therapies that can specifically address the underlying causes of muscle atrophy. These drugs may target pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis, inflammation, or nerve function.

• Exoskeletons: Exoskeletons are wearable devices that provide external support and assistance to muscles. They can help individuals with muscle atrophy perform daily tasks and participate in physical activities.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is being used to analyze large datasets of muscle atrophy research to identify patterns and predict outcomes. AI can also be used to develop personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s specific characteristics.

• High-Resolution Imaging Techniques: High-resolution imaging techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound, are providing more detailed images of muscles and nerves, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of muscle atrophy.

• Biomarker Discovery: Researchers are working to identify biomarkers that can be used to detect muscle atrophy early and track the effectiveness of treatments.

• Personalized Exercise Programs: Personalized exercise programs that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs and abilities can help to maximize muscle growth and prevent further muscle loss.

These innovative technologies and future directions in muscle atrophy research offer hope for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of muscle loss. As our understanding of muscle health continues to grow, we can expect to see even more advancements in the years to come.

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FAQ about Muscle Atrophy

Question	Answer
What are the early signs of muscle atrophy?	Early signs include noticeable muscle weakness, decreased muscle size, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
Can muscle atrophy be reversed?	Yes, in many cases, muscle atrophy can be reversed through targeted exercise, nutritional support, and addressing underlying medical conditions.
What types of exercises are best for rebuilding muscle mass?	Resistance training, such as weightlifting and using resistance bands, is highly effective. Aerobic exercises like walking and swimming also help improve overall muscle function.
How important is protein intake for muscle regrowth?	Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Aim for 0.8-1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, focusing on high-quality sources like lean meats, eggs, and dairy.
What role does physical therapy play in treating muscle atrophy?	Physical therapy helps improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion through targeted exercises and techniques. It is a crucial component of rehabilitation.
Are there any medical conditions that can cause muscle atrophy?	Yes, neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, genetic disorders like muscular dystrophy, and chronic illnesses can lead to muscle atrophy.
How does age affect muscle atrophy?	As we age, we naturally experience a gradual decline in muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. This can be slowed down with regular exercise, proper nutrition, and hormone therapy if needed.
Can malnutrition cause muscle atrophy?	Yes, insufficient protein and calorie intake can deprive muscles of the necessary building blocks for maintenance and growth, leading to muscle atrophy.
What assistive devices can help with muscle atrophy?	Braces, supports, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can provide stability and support to weakened muscles and joints, helping individuals maintain independence and mobility.
How can lifestyle modifications prevent muscle atrophy?	Regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding prolonged sitting, managing stress, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking can all help prevent muscle atrophy and maintain muscle health throughout life.
What is neurogenic muscle atrophy?	Neurogenic muscle atrophy is caused by diseases or injuries that affect the nerves controlling muscle function. Conditions like ALS or spinal cord injuries can disrupt nerve signals, leading to muscle wasting.
What is disuse muscle atrophy?	Disuse muscle atrophy occurs when muscles are not used for an extended period, typically due to inactivity, prolonged bed rest, or immobilization. This lack of use causes muscles to weaken and shrink.