Effects of strength training on the structural and functional properties of human muscle: A review

Abstract

Human studies on the effects of strength training for healthy persons and for persons with neuromusculoskeletal diseases have generally shown an improved force‐generating capacity and increased muscle size. Less well documented, however, are the specific morphological and functional adaptations in muscle that accompany these postexercise improvements. An analysis of these muscular adaptations is the subject of this article. The information could be of interest to trainers and rehabilitation specialists interested in reducing the incidence of muscu‐loskeletal injury attributable to muscle weakness, as well as in improving the functional performance of healthy clients and those with musculoskeletal impairment.