30 Seconds SummarySarcoplasmic Hypertrophy is Real, but is it Relevant?
- Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy refers to muscle growth characterized by an increase in the sarcoplasm, the non-contractile component of muscle cells, while the contractile proteins (actin and myosin) may not increase proportionally.
- Recent research, including the study referenced, shows solid evidence that sarcoplasmic hypertrophy indeed occurs, debunking old beliefs that it was merely a myth.
- The study analyzed 15 men after a six-week high-volume resistance training program, finding that while muscle fiber size increased, the concentration of contractile proteins decreased.
- Findings suggest sarcoplasmic hypertrophy may be driven by metabolic adaptations within muscle fibers, particularly related to anaerobic metabolism, to handle the energy demands of intensive training.
- Questions remain about how common sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is, its functional purpose, and how specific training variables such as rep range and total set volume can influence its development.
- Future research is suggested to explore training methods that could promote or minimize sarcoplasmic hypertrophy depending on the training goals, primarily whether the focus is on muscle size or strength.
Stronger By Science
Greg Nuckols
