Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle and CNS

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of one-legged isometric extension training?

Enhances overall muscle strength

Increases strength in toe muscles

Improves two-legged task performance

Reduces fatigability on one-legged tasks (correct)

Which effect is NOT commonly observed from strength training in older adults compared to younger adults?

Improved muscular endurance

Gain in untrained muscle strength

Increased overall muscle mass (correct)

Reduced fatigability

How does imagined strength training compare to actual strength training based on the findings?

Actual training is significantly better for all muscle groups.

Imagined strength training is more effective than actual training.

Imagined strength training has no effect on muscle strength.

Imagined strength training yields significant strength gains. (correct)

What was the observed effect of training speed on maximum voluntary torque (MVT)?

MVT increases most significantly at the training speed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of resistance training on untrained muscles according to the content?

Untrained muscles can gain strength from the training of homologous muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of muscle strength training specificity?

Training effects are highly specific to the velocity of movements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the bilateral deficit refer to in the context of resistance training?

Weaker muscle performance when both limbs are contracted together. Signup and view all the answers

How does resistance training affect muscle fatigue based on training type?

Fatigue reduction is task-specific rather than muscle-specific. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main finding regarding strength training effects on the toe extensor muscles?

Toe extensor strength remains unchanged despite strength training for hands. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of strength training is likely to yield the least specific strength gains?

Training with consistent, low frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate bilateral deficit during rapid contractions?

~45% Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when athletes effectively train both sides of their body simultaneously?

Bilateral facilitation Signup and view all the answers

How can muscle coactivation be beneficial in uncertain situations?

It acts as a default strategy of the motor system. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the efficiency of muscle cocontraction during an 8-week resistance training program?

Decreased cocontraction. Signup and view all the answers

In older adults, what effect does resistance training have on motor unit firing rates?

It increases the firing rates. Signup and view all the answers

What significant observation was made in the initial phase of strength training?

A period of motor learning precedes strength increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the effectiveness of learning a novel task in relation to muscle co-contraction?

It can reduce unnecessary co-contraction. Signup and view all the answers

How quickly does most of the decrease in co-contraction occur during resistance training?

Within the first week. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of bilateral deficits during slow contractions?

About 20%. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when prescribing resistance training exercises for specific activities?

Emphasize motor learning before strength improvements. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specificity of Resistance Training Effects

Resistance training effects vary significantly depending on the specific task performed and the muscles involved.
One-legged isometric extension training reduces fatigue specifically for one-legged tasks, but not for two-legged tasks. The effect is reversed with two-legged training.
Resistance training effects are less specific to the muscle being trained – strength gains in one muscle can lead to minor gains in untrained muscles, this is referred to as "generalized adaptation".
This highlights the importance of selecting training tasks relevant to the desired outcome.

The Central Nervous System and Resistance Training

The effect of resistance training on the central nervous system is significant and can be observed in changes to motor unit activity, co-contraction levels and motor learning.
Resistance training increases motor unit firing rates in older adults; this is not seen in younger adults.
Motor unit firing rates are responsible for increasing force production, but they also influence other aspects like muscle efficiency.
Motor asymmetries, where one side of the body is stronger than the other, can be trained away through exercises that involve both sides of the body simultaneously. This results in bilateral facilitation, where the maximum force is generated when both sides are activated.
Muscle co-activation, where opposing muscles are activated simultaneously, can be reduced through resistance training. This improvement in coordination is seen before significant strength gains occur.

Resistance Training and Motor Learning

The initial phase of resistance training involves a period of motor learning, leading to improved movement efficiency and a reduction in co-contraction.

Resistance Training For Older Adults

Increased motor unit firing rates are a key mechanism for force production in older adults following strength training.
Resistance training is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it helps maintain muscle mass and function, which is vital for overall health and mobility.

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Description

This quiz explores the specificity of resistance training effects, focusing on how different tasks engage various muscles differently. Additionally, it examines the impact of resistance training on the central nervous system, highlighting changes in motor unit activity and the differences among age groups. Test your understanding of these important concepts in resistance training.