ISSN:
1439-6327
Keywords:
Fast and slow twitch fibres
;
Weight training
;
Hypertrophy
;
Immobilization
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Seven healthy male subjects were studied under control conditions and following 5–6 months of heavy resistance training and 5–6 weeks of immobilization in elbow casts. Cross-sectional fibre areas and nuclei-to-fibre ratios were calculated from cryostat sections of needle biopsies taken from triceps brachii. Training resulted in a 98% increase in maximal elbow extension strength as measured by a Cybex dynamometer, while immobilization resulted in a 41% decrease in strength. Both fast twitch (FT) and slow twitch (ST) fibre areas increased significantly with training by 39% and 31%, respectively. Immobilization resulted in significant decreases in fibre area by 33% for FT and 25% for ST fibres. The observed nuclei-to-fibre ratio was 10% greater following the training programme. However, this change was non-significant. There was also a nonsignificant correlation between the magnitude of the changes in fibre size and the changes in maximal strength following either training or immobilization.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00421352
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