1. 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 years and in males at years. Strength development peaks at years. Strength decreases with age.
There is a maximum of between 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.