About
This sub-module explores the intricate interplay between the nervous system and skeletal muscle in response to resistance training. It delves into how neural mechanisms drive early strength gains, while muscular adaptations contribute to long-term performance enhancements. Key concepts include motor unit behavior, neural drive, and the transition from neural to hypertrophic dominance. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based applications for optimizing training in intermediate-to-elite athletes, including implications for periodization, explosive power, and injury prevention. By the end of this module, participants will be able to: - Explain the physiological basis of motor unit recruitment and firing patterns. - Differentiate between early neural adaptations and later muscular adaptations to resistance training. - Interpret electromyography (EMG) data to assess neuromuscular changes. - Apply advanced concepts to design training programs that target specific adaptations (e.g., rate of force development via neural drive). - Critically evaluate research on neuromuscular adaptations in trained vs. untrained populations.