What effect will long term strength training have on type 2 muscle fibres?

Long-term strength training primarily leads to hypertrophy of type 2 muscle fibers. Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size and cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers as a result of consistent resistance training. This process is facilitated through various mechanisms, including muscle fiber damage and the subsequent repair that leads to stronger and larger muscle fibers.

Type 2 muscle fibers, often referred to as fast-twitch fibers, are particularly responsive to strength training. They are designed for power and high-intensity activities, thus adapting well to strength training stimuli. Over time, the consistent overload from training stimulates protein synthesis within these fibers, leading to an increase in their mass.

Hypertrophy is distinct from atrophy, which refers to a decrease in muscle mass, and hyperplasia, which involves an increase in the number of muscle fibers, which is less commonly observed in human muscles. Articulation, on the other hand, relates to joint function and movement rather than muscle fiber adaptation. Thus, the focus on hypertrophy highlights the beneficial adaptations that strength training can provide to type 2 muscle fibers, enhancing both strength and performance.