the nervous system

The Tendency of Skeletal Muscle to Show Plastic Features

The tendency of the skeletal muscle to show plastic features in response to body needs is at the root of this. Hypertrophy, or the rise in the density of skeletal muscle, has been identified as a critical topic in science. In this respect, the paper reflects on the impact of resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, namely on the optimal training configurations that will result in the greatest benefits. Schoenfeld et al. (2014) sought to compare two forms of routine exercise that are often used in practice: volume-equated bodybuilding and powerlifting. Through random selection, the authors picked twenty men who were subjected to diverse training schedules in both routines over an eight week period. The research found out that both types of training yielded the same muscle sizes, but powerlifting led to more muscular strength as compared to body-building.

Effects of Equating Volume between Bodybuilding and Powerlifting

Schoenfeld et al. (2014) posited that previous research indicated that training using heavy loads and long rests produced maximum strength, while hypertrophy is by using moderate loads and shorter periods of rest between sets. The researchers sought to find out the effects of equating volume between the routines. Further, in a bid to test their subjects, they designed a scheduled whereby power-lifters made three repetitions per set, resting for three minutes after each set and the body-builders did ten repetitions per set, resting for one and a half minutes after each set.

Data and Methodology Analysis

Before delving into the methodology section, the authors explained the reasons as to why they decided to take the study in a very articulate manner. The study quoted various other related studies and described some of the findings that have been found out. Additionally, the authors went ahead to outline the missing issues in the studies and therefore reinforcing the reason as to why they had to handle their research. Notably, and in a very vivid manner, the limitations of the studies have been mentioned, a factor that well prepares the reader for what to expect.

Methodology Section

The methodology section explains the manner in which the researchers approached their investigation; the factors that prompted them and what they sought to ascertain or refute. With such a beginning, the reader is made aware of the answers being sought in the research. Posing a question that the study aims to answer further reinforces research.In this case, the researchers tried to find out whether there were differences between the two types of resistance training routines in well-trained men on matters of equated volume.

Sample Description and Selection Process

Additionally, the researchers articulately gave a very concise description of their sample, giving their age bracket, body mass, sample size and the mode of selection. A statistical proof of choice made on the sample size is provided as well, making the research work scientifically credible. Considering that training issues are sometimes affected by social habits, the study has indicated the requirements that were part of the participant selection process. Substantially missing at this stage, however, is a statement indicating whether the participants were tested for substance abuse.

Consent, Approvals, and Procedure

As a legal requirement for every research work, the study indicated that the valid consent and approvals were sought, and the institution from which the permissions were granted. A well explained, and where necessary, the enumerated procedure of the whole process was presented.

Data Collection and Statistical Analysis

In data collection, muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound imaging, a method that (Schoenfeld et al. 2014) lauded for being more effective than other imaging techniques. Further, the study clarifies the professionalism of the individuals who took the results, a factor that reinforced the authenticity of the study. A provision of enumerated statistical results is a good indicator that the data obtained was further analyzed. A precise explanation, using data collected from the research was given on the strength assessments.

Statistical Analyses and Results

Statistical analyses at the end of the eighth week were conducted, precisely using descriptive statistics and regressions tests. The analysis sections, followed by the results section are two essential sections that the researchers did exemplarily well. All the resultant diagrams have been well explained, and above that results compared to other previous researchers in a bid to make the reader comprehend the difference between the study and other previous studies.

Discussion of Results

The discussion section explains the results and goes ahead to explain the reason behind what was found out. In this part, the authors employed a literature-review mode of writing, where they used other works to describe the various observed phenomena. By making use of existing theorems, the researchers were able to equip any reader with ample information on the subject.

Importance of the Work

Since the research focused on muscular gains on well-trained individuals, it is clear that the conclusion realized from the study applies to any other individual or professional will to prepare for various purposes. Be it the ordinary health-conversant person or an expert; it is clear that a person can be able to make the right choice when training for hypertrophy or strength. Further, the discussion section has articulately explained various the various biological processes that take place while undergoing certain types or training routines. With such knowledge, a trainer and other professionals can be able to tell, with positive scientific evidence, the best mode of exercise for a specific aspect of muscular body requirement.

Further Research and Dietary Considerations

For other researchers and professionals willing to delve deeper into the effects of volume-equated training routines on hypertrophy and muscular strength, this research comes in handy with its findings as well as it’s as well as its limitations. By focusing on the conclusions discussed, a researcher can build on the recommended further actions. A good example is finding out the intended effect of combining weight loads in a bid to find out whether there would be additional muscular responses that would enhance adaptations such as strength and hypertrophy.

Considering that the dietary portions of the subjects were recorded on a daily basis for the eight weeks, and then such data is proof enough to dieticians. Interested individuals and professionals in powerlifting and body-building can emulate such feeding practices, have enough scientific evidence that it worked on the subjects, and at given measurable and recorded magnitudes.

Wide Audience and Importance for Students

Mainly, the study was an essential piece of work that can be used by a wide variety of audience depending on the specific interests. Lastly, it is a very important eye-opener to students as they seek to delve deeper beyond what is provided in textbooks and venture into more particular research regarding other and even unrelated disciplines.

Reference

Schoenfeld BJ, Ratamess NA, Peterson MD, Contreras B, Sonmez GT, Alvar BA. Effects of different volume-equated resistance training loading strategies on muscular adaptations in well-trained men. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2014 Oct 1; 28(10):2909-18.