Neuromuscular Adaptation

Neuromuscular adaptation is a treatment designed to allow species from low-gravity planets to function normally at Earth-normal gravity. The theory was first developed by Nathaniel Teros in 2340, and later refined by Doctor Julian Bashir in 2370.

The procedure utilizes neo-analeptic transmitters to elevate the neural output of the brain's motor cortex, which in turn stimulates acetylcholine absorption to 14% above normal and causes an increase in tensile muscle strength. A side effect experienced by the patient during the neo-analeptic infusion is warmth, due to neuromuscular tissue stimulation. Eventually, the patient's neural pathways adapt to the increased tensile strength, allowing an increased ability to move in higher gravity.

It is possible for the patient to walk within an hour, although only for an limited period of time as the treatment wears off. With each successive treatment, the effects will last longer and the patient's muscles will grow stronger. It is inadvisable for the patient to alternate between low and Earth-normal gravity conditions during the treatment, as changing stimuli to the motor cortex will eventually result in the loss of fine motor control.

After two or three days of the treatment, the motor cortex will adapt to the new conditions and the effects become irreversible. (DS9: "Melora")