The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Dec. 2006http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/91/12/4836 Prolonged inactivity and hypercortisolemia represents a persistent catabolic stimulus that exacerbates strength and lean muscle loss via a chronic reduction in muscle protein synthesis. Article by Douglas Paddon-Jones, Melinda Sheffield-Moore, Melanie g. Cree, Susan J. Hewlings, Asle Aarsland, Robert R. Wolfe and Arny A. Ferrando, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston.