Why building strength may have all to do with the power of our brain
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A US University study reveals the importance of the nervous system in improving strength gain
It has been made apparent that the human nervous system might just be as strong a determinant to building strength as exercising is. Sports scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducted a controlled trial requiring half of the participants to lift light weights for higher repetitions (the other half inversely lifted heavy weight for less repetitions). The researchers noted muscle mass to be equally improved in both groups, however the ‘heavy weight’ group became stronger by comparison. The team go on to suggest that, neurologically, electrical signals are sent by the brain’s motor neurons during exercise, and that heavy load exercises are believed to transmit more frequently.
Dr Nathaniel Jenkins (Assistant professor of exercise physiology) suggests that the heightened nervous system activity during heavy load exercise routines propels the working muscles to produce greater force during exercise. Dr Jenkins stated, “If you’re trying to increase strength – whether you’re Joe Schmoe [sic], a weekend warrior, a gym rat or an athlete – training with high loads is going to result in greater strength adaptations.” Despite this, he goes on to stress the importance of low-load training, particularly for older adults wanting to avoid unnecessary damage to their joints.
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Jenkins further states his belief that the findings of the study supports the notion of using heavier loads, “I don’t think anybody would argue (with the idea) that high-load training is more efficient. It’s more time-efficient. We’re seeing greater strength adaptations. And now we’re seeing greater neural adaptations.”
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