Morphological and functional differences of muscle fibers in athletes

Abstract

Relevance: Knowledge about muscle fiber types is important for understanding muscle physiology, adaptations to physical load, and the planning of athletic training. The aim of the study: Comparison of morphological and functional characteristics of muscle fibers in athletes focused on strength and endurance. Materials and methods: Theoretical: review and analysis of scientific and methodological literature. Practical: Biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps femoris were studied in 23 athletes (11 – endurance, 12 – strength) to determine muscle fiber types. By fiber type: Slow-twitch fibers – aerobic, fatigueresistant;fast-twitch – less enduring but capable of rapid contractions and mainly useanaerobic metabolism