The Neural Adaptations to Resistance Training 

Thanks Tom. In short, yes the neural adaptations are likely to continue increasing, albeit at a slower rate. Hypertrophy would be the predominant mechanism for further strength gains. Having said that, if you vary the exercises performed (even slight modification of the technique), then you are likely to evoke further neuromuscular adaptations. Complex movements often require continued development of neuromuscular co-ordination long after the 6-8 weeks.

@@physiologymadeeasy216 great, thanks very much for the speedy response : )

Thanks for the comment. I try to speak as clearly as possible so native and non-native English speakers can understand the content.

No, I think in this case the neural pathways are set, and it is a much quicker process. Think of it like riding a bike, once learnt you never forget.

Unless the movement are very complex, you may not lose the neural pathway at all, however, refinements that are made to the movement with regular practice may be lost and need some training again. For most basic resistance exercises (e.g. squats, bench, deadlifts) you often do not lost neural adaptations for the movement, but you may lose aspects such as firing frequency of neuron to produce maximum force or power.

You are very welcome

Thank you Rahul for taking time to leave this feedback, it is much appreciated.

Glad it was helpful!

Your welcome Ryan. Thanks for dropping by to leave a comment, and best of luck in your studies!

You could definitely get hypertrophy during the first few weeks. Its more so in the first few weeks, your strength gains are from the neural adaptations rather than hypertrophic. There can still be overlap were both play a role in strength gains. The big key is that in the early weeks its the neural adaptation that’s responsible, and later weeks (post 6-8 weeks) its the hypertrophy of the muscle that’s responsible

Karan's reply is excellent, and summarises the main points very well.

Hi Jimit, the adaptations are not permanent, because if you stop training then there is some reversibility. Having said that, once you learn the correct technique, the motor program will be stored in your brain. This means you can recall that information when needed again much more quickly. As an example, once you learn how to ride a bike, you don't forget even if you have not ridden for many years. In a sporting context, we need to keep practicing a skill to be successful so the we refine the neuromuscular adaptations that occur too.

Not that I know of Kevin.

No problem. It was a long shot. Thanks anyway!

Hi Lars, Thanks for your nice comments. Your right, hypertrophy starts much later. The neural adaptations occur first, with hypertrophy occurring at a much later stage. In the video, I state hypertrophy occurs at around 6-8 weeks, which is the time-frame for a typical resistance training program. Transient hypertrophy is known as cell swelling and as you rightly say subsides after a few hours. I will shortly be producing video discussing the physiological processes of muscle hypertrophy and will go into detail about the differences in cell swelling and myofibrillar hypertrophy.

Okay, I'm looking forward to it!!