Neural adaptations to resistance training

Abstract

Ageing-related alterations in neuromuscular system was the main interest in the current study. Muscle strength decrement may be one of the most evident changes. The impairment in strength through aging may lead to functional impairments, such as falling. In order to prevent functional loss, performing strength training has been reported to be one of the effective ways to preserve or even improve muscular strength. Except for the muscular system, the nervous system may contribute to strength gain as well. The current study aimed to compare the difference in corticospinal excitability and inhibition following resistance training and detraining between young and older adults.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation was the main methodology used and corticospinal tract was the targeted tract in the present study. Accompanied with surface electromyography, right rectus femoris muscle contractions in response to the transcranial stimulation was recorded. Under the same stimulation intensity and condition, the study assessed corticospinal excitability and inhibition mechanism differences following the resistance training and detraining period. In addition, both static and dynamic muscle strength tests were involved as performance indicators following the training and detraining period.

The main findings of the study implied a significant muscle strength change following resistance training and detraining without evident neural adaptations in both young and older adults. The dynamic muscle strength change was more prominent than the change in the static muscle strength in both young and older adults, which may be associated with the training specific effects. Therefore, the study supports the effects of resistance training on both young and older adults.