Everyone knows that exercising is good for strengthening bones and muscles. Professional healthcare providers and experts everywhere around the world recommend a combination of resistance exercises and weight-bearing activities regularly to maintain good muscle and bone health. Research also shows that promoting muscle strength can significantly help in relieving joint pain among those suffering from osteoarthritis. 

Even though the benefits of regularly exercising are undeniable, a sedentary lifestyle is a norm in modern-day living. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 85% of the global population leads a sedentary lifestyle, making physical inactivity a serious public health concern. So, what can be done? Is there an alternative to physical exercise? Well, as it turns out, scientists are hard at work trying to figure this one out. 

A Pill That Mimics the Effects of Exercise

Scientists around the world are working endlessly to determine what exactly exercise does to the body and if it can be mimicked. One of the most successful research in this field has been carried out at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), where scientists developed a new drug screening system for identifying a compound that promotes similar changes in bones and muscles that occur during a workout. These researchers identified a compound called locamidazole (LAMZ) as a potential drug capable of causing similar effects to that of exercise. 

What Did this Research Involve?

During this research, scientists found that LAMZ has the capability of stimulating the growth of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and muscle cells while reducing the growth of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts). To test this new compound, they divided a group of mice into 3 sections for two weeks:

• Mice who were given 6 mg/kg of LAMZ by injection twice daily
• Mice who were given 10 mg/kg of LAMZ orally once daily
• Control group

The administration of this compound both by injection and orally led to changes in bones as well as muscles. Researchers observed that the mice that had been treated with this compound showed increased muscle strength and wider muscle fibre when compared to those treated without LAMZ. 

On testing the endurance of these mice using a treadmill device, it was found that those treated with LAMZ were less fatigued and travelled a longer distance than others. 

How Does this Compound Work?

On using gene analysis, the scientists found that LAMZ boosted the number of mitochondria, a cell’s powerhouse, in bone and muscle cells. There was also a rise in the PGC-1 alpha, a protein that helps in increasing the production of mitochondria and maintaining bone and muscle cells. Furthermore, the 3D images of bone samples showed a boost in bone mineral content, density, and thickness. This supported the findings of a reduction in bone loss and increased formation. 

Can a Pill Replace Exercise?

While this study has shown the positive effect of LAMZ on muscle and bone strength with no negative impact on surrounding tissues, it's not enough to replace exercise just yet. The concept of a drug mimicking the effect of exercising is being developed to help those who cannot work out due to some medical condition. Moreover, even if this drug becomes available for public consumption in future, it is advisable to follow some exercise routines rather than just popping the pills. Need more information?

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.