【Major Papers of the Laboratory】
・Naito A, Sato T, Tokuda N, Yamauchi N, Niibori A, Okada K, Yamada T. Interleukin-1 signaling contributes to endurance training-induced skeletal muscle adaptations. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 331: R416-R426, 2026 (doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00125.2026)
・Yamauchi N, Ashida Y, Naito A, Tokuda N, Niibori A, Motohashi N, Aoki Y, Yamada T. Fatigue resistance and mitochondrial adaptations to isometric interval training in dystrophin-deficient muscle: Role of contractile load. FASEB J. 39: e70631, 2025 (doi.org/10.1096/fj.202500618RR)
・Yamauchi N, Tamai K, Kimura I, Naito A, Tokuda N, Ashida Y, Motohashi N, Aoki Y, Yamada T. High-intensity interval training in the form of isometric contraction improves fatigue resistance in dystrophin-deficient muscle. J. Physiol. 601: 2917-2933, 2023 (doi: 10.1113/jp284532)
・Naito A*, Sato T* (*equally contributed), Kimura I, Tokuda N, Yamauchi N, Fusagawa H, Yamada T. Effects of contraction frequency during high-intensity training on fatigue resistance and aerobic adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle. J. Appl. Physiol. 138: 107-120, 2025 (doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00530.2024) 

【Education】
A key goal of muscle physiology is to understand the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle function and to establish appropriate exercise and physical therapy interventions to maintain and improve muscle function, prevent sports injuries, and promote recovery from functional impairments. In my courses, I aim to develop students’ ability to apply evidence-based exercise and physical therapy interventions, building on a fundamental understanding of skeletal muscle structure and function.
Through fostering "critical thinking skills" via individualized instruction, we aim to produce highly capable individuals who will contribute to educational and research institutions, industry, and government agencies. Furthermore, with a long-term perspective that includes career development as overseas postdoctoral researchers, we seek to cultivate principal investigators (PIs) capable of taking on challenges on the international stage.

【Research】
Maintaining and improving skeletal muscle function and preventing or treating muscle dysfunction caused by sports injuries and various diseases require an understanding of the mechanisms underlying muscle function, adaptation, damage, and repair. However, many of these mechanisms remain unclear, and the optimal conditions for effective exercise and physical therapy have yet to be established.
We use experimental animal models to investigate skeletal muscle function, exercise adaptations, muscle damage and repair, and muscle dysfunction associated with muscle diseases. We also study the effects and mechanisms of exercise and electrical stimulation, aiming to establish safe and effective interventions by optimizing the type, intensity, duration, frequency, and training period.
Through this basic research, we aim to advance exercise and physical therapy in sports science and rehabilitation medicine and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of muscle function and the prevention and treatment of muscle dysfunction.