S W Stevenson studies how certain pain-relieving medications affect older adults, particularly after they engage in challenging physical activities. In one notable study, they examined the effects of naproxen, an NSAID, on older people who performed strenuous exercises that would typically lead to muscle soreness. By focusing on how these medications can support muscle recovery, they aim to promote safe and effective physical activity among seniors.
Key findings
Older adults taking naproxen after intense leg exercises experienced only 14% strength loss compared to those on placebo who lost 30%.
Naproxen reduced thigh pain upon standing from a chair, improving mobility for older individuals.
MRI scans showed significantly less muscle damage in participants who took naproxen versus those who received a placebo.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Stevenson study muscle recovery in seniors?
Yes, Dr. Stevenson focuses on how medications can assist in muscle recovery for older adults after exercise.
What treatments has Dr. Stevenson researched?
Dr. Stevenson has researched the effects of naproxen, an anti-inflammatory medication, on muscle soreness and recovery.
Is Dr. Stevenson’s work relevant to older adults who want to stay active?
Absolutely, their research suggests that using naproxen may help older adults safely increase their physical activity by reducing pain and muscle damage.
Publications in plain English
Can Bodybuilding Peak Week Manipulations Favorably Affect Muscle Size, Subcutaneous Thickness, and Related Body Composition Variables? A Case Study.
2022
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
Barakat C, Escalante G, Stevenson SW, Bradshaw JT, Barsuhn A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how specific dietary changes during the week leading up to a bodybuilding competition affect muscle size and body composition. Researchers found that by adjusting carbohydrate intake, muscle thickness increased, subcutaneous fat decreased by 10% overall, and hydration improved, especially within muscle cells. This is important for bodybuilders because it shows that they can enhance their appearance and performance naturally through careful diet planning during peak week.
Who this helps: This helps bodybuilders and fitness competitors looking to optimize their performance and appearance before competitions.
Plain English This study looked at how bodybuilders prepare their bodies in the week leading up to competitions to achieve their best look. Researchers found that while many bodybuilders use various techniques such as changing their diet and exercise routine, there is little scientific evidence backing these strategies. The findings matter because offering solid recommendations can help bodybuilders safely enhance their performance and appearance.
Who this helps: This helps bodybuilders and their trainers.
Plain English This study looked at whether using chelation therapy, a treatment designed to remove toxic metals from the body, could improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers found that a specific chelating agent called DMSA did not improve symptoms in the tested group, which included 77 children, and they reported potential serious side effects from the treatment. This is significant because it shows that chelation therapy may not be safe or beneficial for children with ASD.
Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers of children with autism by clarifying that chelation therapy is not an effective treatment.
Plain English This study examined whether a treatment called chelation therapy, which uses medications to remove heavy metals from the body, could help improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers found that, in a trial involving 77 children, the treatment did not lead to any improvements in ASD symptoms, despite some children having high levels of heavy metals. This matters because it indicates that chelation therapy is not an effective way to treat ASD and could pose serious health risks, such as kidney problems.
Who this helps: This information is important for parents of children with autism and healthcare providers considering treatment options.
Dietary creatine supplementation and muscular adaptation to resistive overload.
2001
Medicine and science in sports and exercise
Stevenson SW, Dudley GA
Plain English This study looked at how taking creatine as a supplement affects muscle growth and strength in people who are already trained. Researchers gave 18 participants either creatine or a placebo while they underwent muscle stimulation and continued regular resistance training for eight weeks. They found that, while both groups experienced similar muscle gains (11% increase in muscle size), creatine didn’t help with muscle performance during training, as there were no significant differences in strength improvement or fatigue reduction between the two groups.
Who this helps: This helps athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are considering creatine supplementation for better muscle performance.
Creatine loading, resistance exercise performance, and muscle mechanics.
2001
Journal of strength and conditioning research
Stevenson SW, Dudley GA
Plain English This study looked at how taking creatine (20 grams a day for a week) affects the performance of resistance exercises and the muscle properties of the thigh in trained individuals. The results showed a small increase in strength and exercise repetitions (2% and 5% improvement) after taking creatine, but these changes were not significantly different from those who took a placebo. This means that loading with creatine does not provide noticeable benefits for strength or performance in knee exercises.
Who this helps: This helps athletes and trainers understand that creatine may not enhance resistance exercise outcomes as previously thought.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy after eccentric exercise in healthy older individuals.
2001
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
Baldwin AC, Stevenson SW, Dudley GA
Plain English Researchers gave older adults (average age 60) either naproxen (an NSAID pain reliever) or a placebo after they did intense leg exercises designed to cause muscle soreness. Three days later, the people who took naproxen had much less strength loss, less thigh pain when standing up from a chair, and less muscle damage visible on MRI scans compared to those who took the placebo.
The findings show that naproxen actually works to reduce injury and weakness in older people's muscles after tough exercise, suggesting it could help seniors safely start or increase physical activity.