William & Mary
Close menu Resources for... William & Mary
Popular Topics
Suggested Results
News Events
Apply Visit Request Info
W&M menu close William & Mary
Arts & Sciences
Kinesiology
Directory Page Title

Michael Deschenes

Chancellor Professor of Kinesiology

Office: Adair Hall 404A
Phone: 757-221-2778
Email: [[mrdesc]]

Areas of Specialization

Physiology
Neuromuscular Junction

Education
  • Ph.D. University of Connecticut, 1992
  • M.A. University of Connecticut, 1983
  • B.S. University of Maine, 1980
Courses Taught
  • Human Physiology (KINE 304)
  • Statistics and Evaluation (KINE 394)
  • Cellular Basis of Neuromuscular Physiology (KINE 485)
  • Independent Study (KINE 470,471)
  • Kinesiology Research (KINE 480,481)
Research
Papers
  • Deschenes MR, Mifsud MK, Patek LG, Flannery RE. Cellular and Subcellular Characteristics of Neuromuscular Junctions in Muscles with Disparate Duty Cycles and Myofiber Profiles. Cells. 2023 Jan 18;12(3):361. doi: 10.3390/cells12030361.
  • Alway SE, Paez HG, Pitzer CR, Ferrandi PJ, Khan MM, Mohamed JS, Carson JA, Deschenes MR. Mitochondria transplant therapy improves regeneration and restoration of injured skeletal muscle. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2023 Feb;14(1):493-507. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13153. Epub 2023 Jan 5.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Flannery, R., Hawbaker, A., Patek, L., Mifsud, M. Adaptive Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction with Aging. Cells, 11(7):1150, 2022.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Stock, M.S. Neuromuscular adaptations to exercise and aging. Experimental  Gerontology, 160:111712, 2022.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Patek, L.G., Trebelhorn, A.M., High, M.C., Flannery, R.E. Juvenile Neuromuscular Systems Show Amplified Disturbance to Muscle Unloading. Frontiers in Physiology, 12:754052, 2021.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Trebelhorn, A.M., High, M.C., Tufts, H.L., Oh, J. Sensitivity of subcellular components of neuromuscular junctions to decreased neuromuscular activity. Synapse, 75(11):e22220, 2021.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Tufts, H.L., Oh, J., Li, Li, S., Noronha, A.L., Adan, M.A. Effects of Exercise Training on Neuromuscular Junctions and Their Active Zones in Young and Aged Muscles. Neurobiology of Aging, 95: 1-8, 2020.

  • Deschenes, M.R. Adaptations of the Neuromuscular Junction to Exercise Training. Current Opinion in Physiology, 10:10-16, 2019.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Tufts, H.L., Noronha, A.L., Li, S. Both Aging and Exercise Training Alter the Rate of Recovery of Neuromuscular Performance of Male Soleus Muscles. Biogerontology, 20:213-223, 2019.

  • Deschenes, M.R., Li, S, Adan, M.A., Oh, J.J., Ramset, H.C. Muscle Fibers and Their Synapses Differentially Adapt to Aging and Endurance Training. Experimental Gerontology. 106: 183-191, 2018.  

  • Deschenes, M.R., Adan, M.A., Kapral, M.C., Kressin, K.A., Leathrum, C.M., Seo, A., Li, S., Schaffrey, E.C. Neuromuscular Adaptability of Male and Female Rats  to Muscle Unloading, Journal of Neuroscience Research 96: 284-296, 2018.

  • Deschenes, M.R., McCoy, R.W., and Mangis, K.A. Chronic Resistance Training Does Not Ameliorate Unloading-induced Decrements in Neuromuscular Function. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96: 549-556, 2017.

  • Scott, J.B., Ward, C.L., Corona, B.J., Deschenes, M.R., Harrison, B.S., Saul, J.M., Christ, G.J. Achieving Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering in Tissue-engineered Skeletal Muscle Constructs in vitro Through a Materials-directed Agrin Delivery Approach. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11 January 2017 / https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar. 2016.00508

  • Rudolf, R., Deschenes, M.R., Sandri, M. Neuromuscular Degeneration in Muscle Wasting. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 19: 177-181, 2016 / doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000267.

  • Deschenes M.R., Kressin, K.A., Garratt, R.N., Leathrum, C.M., Shaffrey, E.C.Effects of Exercise Training on Neuromuscular Junction Morphology and Pre- to Post-Synaptic Coupling in Young and Aged Rats. Neuroscience 54:300 - 307, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j. neuroscience. 2015.12.004.

  • Deschenes, M.R., E.G.Sherman, M.A. Roby, E.K. Glass, and M.B. Harris. Effect of Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Junctions of Young and Aged Muscles Featuring Different Recruitment Patterns. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 93: 504-513, 2015, doi: 10.1002/jnr.23495.
  • Rudolf R, Majid Khan M, Labeit S, and Deschenes MR. Neuromuscular Junction: Monitoring Motor System Health in Age and Dystrophy. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 22 May 2014 | doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00099 
  •  Deschenes, M.R., J.R. Gaertner, and S. O’Reilly. The Effects of Sarcopenia on Muscles with Different Recruitment Patterns and Myofiber Profiles. Current Aging Science, 6; 266-272, 2013.
  • Deschenes, M.R., Hurst, T.E., Ramser, A.E., and Sherman, E.G. Pre- to Post-synaptic Relationships of the Neuromuscular Junction are Held Constant Across Age and Muscle Fiber Type. Developmental Neurobiology, 73: 744-753, 2013.
  • Deschenes, M.R., J.L. Taylor, and K.A. Mangis. Aging Obscures Sex-specific Physiological Responses to Exercise. American Journal of Human Biology, 25: 215-221, 2013.
  • Deschenes, M.R., E.G. Sherman, and E.K. Glass. The Effects of Pre-habilitative Conditioning on Unloading-induced Adaptations in Young and Aged Neuromuscular Systems. Experimental Gerontology, 47: 687-694, 2012.
  • Deschenes, M.R., R.W. McCoy, and K.A. Mangis. Factors Relating to Gender Specificity of Unloading-induced Declines in Strength. Muscle & Nerve, 46: 210-217, 2012.
  • Deschenes, M.R., M.A. Roby, and E.M. Glass. Aging Influences Adaptations of the Neuromuscular Junction to Endurance Training. Neuroscience 190: 56-66, 2011.
  • Deschenes, M.R. Invited Review: Motor Unit and Neuromuscular Junction Remodeling with Aging. Current Aging Science, 4: 209-220, 2011.
  • Garber, C.E., Blissmer, B., Deschenes, M.R., LaMonte, M.J., Lee, I.M., Nieman, D.C., Swain, D.P., and Franklin, B.A. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: The Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromotor Fitness in Apparently Healthy Adults: Guidance for Health and Fitness Professionals on Prescribing Exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 43: 1334-1359, 2011.
  • Deschenes, M.R., M.A. Roby, M.K. Eason, and M.B. Harris. Remodeling of the Neuromuscular Junction Precedes Sarcopenia Related Alterations in Myofibers. Experimental Gerontology 43: 389-393, 2010.
  • Deschenes M.R., Connell A.M., Jackson E.M., Taylor J.L., Glass E.K. A comparison of physiological variables in aged and young women during and following submaximal exercise. American Journal of Human Biology  21(6):836-43, 2009.
  • Deschenes M.R., McCoy R.W., Holdren A.N., Eason M.K. Gender influences neuromuscular adaptations to muscle unloading. European Journal of Applied Physiology 105(6):889-97, 2009.
  • Deschenes M.R., McCoy R.W., Davis J.M., McGinn M.C., Eason M.K. The Efficacy of Prehabilitative Conditioning: Ameliorating Unloading-Induced Declines in the Muscle Function of Humans. Amercan Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 88(2):136-44, 2009.
  • Deschenes, M.R., A.N. Holdren, and R.W. McCoy. Adaptations to Short-term Muscle Unloading in Young and Aged Men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 40(5):856-63, 2008.
  • Deschenes, M.R., K.A. Tenny, M.K. Eason, and S.E. Gordon. Moderate Aging Does Not Modulate Morphological Responsiveness of the Neuromuscular System to Chronic Overload in Fischer 344 Rats. Neuroscience 148: 970-977, 2007.
  • Deschenes, M.R. Perspectives - When size really does matter. Journal of Physiology 579: 567, 2007.
  • Deschenes, M.R., M.N. Hillard, J.A. Wilson, M.I. Dubina, and M.K. Eason. The Effects of Gender on Physiological Responses During Submaximal Exercise and Recovery. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 38: 1304-1310, 2006.
  • Deschenes, M.R., J.A. Carter, E.N. Matney, M.B. Potter, and M.H. Wilson. Effects of Aging are More Apparent Following, than During Submaximal Exercise. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences 61: 63-71, 2006.
  • Deschenes, M.R., K.A. Tenny, and M.H. Wilson. Increased and Decreased Activity Elicit Specific Morphological Adaptations of the Neuromuscular Junction. Neuroscience 137: 1277-1283, 2006.
  • Wilson, M.H., and M.R. Deschenes. The Neuromuscular Junction: Anatomical Features and Adaptations to Various Forms of Increased, or Decreased Neuromuscular Activity. International Journal of Neuroscience 115: 803-828, 2005.
  • Deschenes, M.R., M.H. Wilson, and W.J. Kraemer. Neuromuscular Adaptations to Spaceflight are Specific to Postural Muscles. Muscle & Nerve 31: 468-474, 2005.

Books

  • Kraemer, W.J., S.J. Fleck, and M.R. Deschenes. Exercise Physiology: Integrated from Theory to Practical Application (3rd edition). Wolters Kluwer: Baltimore MD, 2021.
  • Kraemer, W.J., S.J. Fleck, and M.R. Deschenes. Exercise Physiology: Integrated from Theory to Practical Application (2nd edition). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD, 2015
  • Kraemer, W.J., S.J. Fleck, and M.R. Deschenes. Exercise Physiology: Integrated from Theory to Practical Application. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD, 2011.

Chapters

  • Deschenes, M.R., Oh, J., Tufts, H.L., High, M.C. The Role of the Neuromuscular Junction in Sarcopenia. In: Sarcopenia: Molecular Mechanism and Management Strategies. Eds. K.A.C. Sakuma. Elsevier; Amerserdam, Netherlands, 2021.

  • Garber, C.E., and Deschenes, M.R. General Principles of Exercise Prescription. In: ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Baltimore, MD, 2017.

  • Deschenes, M.R. Unique Features in Animal Research. In: ACSM’s Research Methods. Eds. L.E. Armstrong, W.J. Kraemer. Wolters Kluwer; Baltimore, MD, pp. 199-2014, 2016.

  • Deschenes, M.R., and McCoy, R.W. Skeletal Muscle Function and Biomechanics. In: NSCA’s Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning. Ed B. Alvar, P. Deuster, K. Sell. Human Kinetics; Champaign, IL, pp. 25-47, 2016.
  • Garber, C.E., and Deschenes, M.R. General Principles of Exercise Prescription. In: ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th edition. Ed., Linda Pescatello. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Baltimore, MD, 2013.
  • Deschenes, M.R. Exercise Physiology. In: ACSM's Certification Review, 3rd edition. Eds., Khalid Bibi and Mike Niederpruem. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Baltimore, MD, pp. 31 - 46, 2009.
  • Garber, C.E., and Deschenes, M.R. Exercise Prescription. In: ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 8th edition. Ed., WalterR. Thompson. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Baltimore, MD, pp. 152-180, 2009.
  • Deschenes, M.R. Exercise Physiology. In: ACSM’s Certification Review, 2nd edition. Eds., Jeffrey Roitman and Khalid Bibi. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Philadelphia, PA, pp. 33-47, 2006.
  • Deschenes, M.R., and K. Dohi. Basic Principles and Mechanisms of Endocrinology. In: The Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine – The Endocrine System in Sport and Exercise. Eds., William J. Kraemer and Alan D. Rogol. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.; Oxford, England, pp. 8-23, 2005.
  • Deschenes M.R. Entries on “Capillaries”, “Cell structure modifications with exercise and training”, “Cellular function”, “Exercise and training response of cellular structures”, “Mitochondria”, “Muscle fiber types”, and “Myofibrillar density”. In: Encyclopedia of International Sports Studies. Eds. Roger Bartlett, Chris Gratton, and Christer Rolf. Taylor and Francis; London, England, 2005.
Fellowships and Grants
  • National Institues of Health, 9R15 AR060637
    Period of Support: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2014. Amount $194,000
  • National Institutes of Health, 2R15 AG17440-02A1
    Period of Support: August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2008. Amount: $204,000
  • Jeffress Memorial Trust Grant
    Period of Support: 2003 – 2005. Amount: $50,000
  • National Institutes of Health, R15 AG17440-01 .
    Period of Support: April 1, 2001 through March 31, 2004. Amount: $128,000
  • Jeffress Memorial Trust Grant
    Period of Support: 2000 – 2002. Amount: $44,150
  • Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine
Service
  • External Reviewer, European Science Foundation Grant Proposals, 2020.
  • Member, Editorial Board, Cells, 2020-2023.
  • Member, Peer Review Panel, Peer Review Improvement Project, National Institutes of Health (Center for Scientific Review), 2018.
  • External Reviewer, UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Grant Proposals, 2017.
  • Member, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, European Commission's Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing, Topic: "Comparing the Effectiveness of Healthcare Interventions in the Adult Population", 2017.
  • Member, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, "Aging Systems and Geriatrics Study Section", National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Aging) 2016. 

  • Member, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, European Commission’s Medical Research and the Challenge of Ageing, Topic: “Personalized Medicine”, 2016.

  • External Reviewer of the Department of Kinesiology, Skidmore College, 2016

  • Member, Musculoskeletal Alterations Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2014.
  •  Member, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, European Commission’s Medical Research and the Challenge of Ageing, Topic: “Personalizing health care”, 2014.
  •  External Reviewer, Association Francaise contre les Myopathies (Paris) Grant Proposals, 2014
  •  Member, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, “Aging and Neuromuscular Junctions”, National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging), 2015. 
  •  Member, Expert Panel on the Human Use of Inertially-loaded Exercise Equipment in Space, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2012
  • Chair, Musculoskeletal Biology Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2011.
  • Member of the Faculty Assembly, College of William and Mary, 2010-present
  • Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions, Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular Physiology Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2009. 
  • International Opponent for Defense of Doctoral Dissertation of Milan Sedliak. Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, 2009. 
  • Bone and Muscle Biology, Member and Rapporteur, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, European Space Agency, Brussels, Belgium. December 3rd and 4th, 2009.
  • Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions, Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2008.
  • Human Health in Space, Physical Fitness Peer Review Panel for Grant Proposals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2007.
  • Member, grant review panel for European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme for Research, Topic: “Age related muscle weakness”, 2007.
  • Chair, Protection of Human Subjects Committee (IRB), College of William & Mary, 2004-2010.
  • Associate Editor, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2005-present.
Honors, Prizes and Awards
  • Chancellor Professor of Health Sciences, College of William & Mary (2020-2027).
  • McLeod Tyler Professor of Integrated Health Sciences (2015-2018)
  • Plumeri Award for Faculty Excellence, College of William & Mary, 2012
  • Outstanding Kinesiology Professional Award, University of Connecticut Neag School of Education Alumni Society, 2003.
  • Outstanding Alumni Researcher Award, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut, 2002.