ABSTRACT
Muscle strength can be recorded in either absolute or relative terms. Absolute muscle strength refers to the absolute force produced, or weight lifted in a strength test. So an individual may be able to bench press 80 kg in one repetition, or produce a maximal knee extension of 190 Nm on an isokinetic dynamometer. Skeletal muscle growth, or hypertrophy, is associated with strength gains following resistance training. The fiber type composition of a muscle is genetically determined but training does appear to be able to alter this predetermined composition. Muscle soreness may occur after an acute training session, especially resistance training. Detraining, or the cessation of physical activity following a training period, is associated with a decrease in muscular function. Detraining results in a decreased muscle size termed atrophy or sarcopenia, as a result of reductions in myosin and actin via a decreased fiber number and/or fiber size.
