Adaptations in muscle morphology and architecture to exercise

Description of the Lecture:

In the present Lecture, the key concepts of adaptations in muscle morphology and architecture to exercise and muscle disuse will be presented. Such adaptive strategies will be discussed in relation to how they may affect muscle performance and its functional properties. Specifically, the adaptations of muscle (and tendon) tissue to distinct mechanical stimuli will be presented.

Learning points:

-Muscle is highly plastic, and it remodels itself in response to loading, ageing and disuse.

-Muscle structure appears to change differently in response ti distinct contraction typologies

-The relationship between muscle function and architecture is still not fully understood, as the muscle-tendon unit is a complex system and the MTU remodelling affects not only muscle tissue, but connective structures and series elastic components. However, understanding about muscle structure is a great tool for understanding muscle mechanics during performance and rehabilitation.