Age differences & Training

Question 1

How does muscle & strength change with age

Answer 1

number of muscle fibres and fibre diameter decreases therefore decreasing isometric strength

(muscle mass down)

Question 2

What happens first with age in strength reduction?

Answer 2

Neural reductions happen first (slower AP’s)

CSA decrease in nerves & fibres

Preferential Type II loss

Question 3

What is response for performance increase in children instead of hypertrophy?

Answer 3

a large increase in motor unit activation (following training)

• neural adaptations

Question 4

What neural adaptations might children experience following resistance training?

Answer 4

^ neural proliferation

^ CNS maturation

^ neural drive & rate of force production

Question 5

What must be consider when training children?

Answer 5

Biological age, maturity, athlete development level, fitness levels as well as just Chronological age

can help maximise training program

Question 6

What is different/same with volume, intensity & rest when training children

Answer 6

• Avoid 1RM training
• Similar amounts of rest
• Longer training periods are better for children w/ maintenance (1 per week 2-3 for growth)

Question 7

What are the risks with training children?

Answer 7

Fractures - weaker bones due to lower density - potentially damage growth plates

Question 8

Benefits of strength training in children

Answer 8

Decrease fracture risk over time

^ muscle strength

Strengthen tendons