Factors That Affect Strength

Over the years it has been well documented that muscle cells increase and decrease their capacity to exert force according to the demands placed upon the muscular system. If muscle cells are overloaded beyond their normal use, such as in strength training programs, the cells will increase in size (hypertrophy) and strength. If the demands placed on the muscle cells decrease, such as in sedentary living or required rest due to illness or injury, the cells will decrease in size (atrophy) and lose strength.

Several physiological factors are related to muscle contraction and subsequent strength gains: neural stimulation, muscle fiber type, overload principle, and specificity of training. Basic knowledge of these factors is important in understanding the principles involved in strength training; Neural Stimulation, Fiber Type, Overload Principle

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