Factors affecting strength Effect on strength Explanation Cross-sectional area Fibre type Gender Age Males have a higher strength than females. The greater the % of FG and FOG fibres, the greater the strength over a short period of time. Fast-twitch fibres have large motor neurones forming large motor units with rapid, high force contractions. The greater the cross-sectional area of the muscle, the greater the strength. Males have higher muscle mass and cross-sectional areas due to higher testosterone levels. When strength is expressed per unit of cross-sectional area, the gender difference largely disappears. Peak strength is reached in females at 16-25 years and in males at 18-30 years. Strength development peaks at 20-30 years. Strength decreases with age. There is a maximum of between 16-30 Newtons of force per sq cm of muscle cross-section. Therefore the greater the cross-section the greater the force of contraction. Age-related decline in strength is due to a decrease in efficiency of the neuro-muscluar system, elasticity and testosterone, leading to reduction in muscle mass.