Neural Adaptations to Strength Training

Abstract

Scientific study of strength training has revealed numerous physiological mechanisms that contribute to: (1) acute fatigue from a single strength training session and (2) chronic adaptation to repetitive and systematic strength training. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is initially to discuss potential neural mechanisms that influence force production from the perspective of a single repetition. Thereafter, the chapter will highlight scientific evidence for candidate neural mechanisms that acutely limit force production during a single strength training session and long-term adaptations caused by strength training. For some of these potential neural mechanisms, there is strong scientific evidence and for others evidence has emerged in recent years and requires further investigation.