Shravan Pradeep

Which training methodologies result in quantitative and qualitative adaptations in skeletal muscle mitochondria to enhance endurance performance in young adults?

Started July 6, 2023

Abstract or project description

The mitochondria in muscle cells is one of the most studied organelles in the body. Its role, to provide energy through aerobic respiration, makes it a key factor in one's endurance. Many studies for decades have found correlations with mitochondrial density and VO2max. However, often undermined, are also the qualitative differences in mitochondria that increase endurance, such as size, efficiency of electron transport chain, ability to use fats as energy, and more protein and enzyme activity. These changes are also not often looked at while differentiating the two types of mitochondria, subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar, as they have differing functions and responses to stimuli in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, mitochondrial adaptations are different when looking at type 1, type 2a, and type 2b muscle fibers. This paper looks to compile the variables of mitochondrial adaptations to training in active adults, as well as look at what stimuli trigger each of the specific adaptations in mitochondria. Understanding mitochondria and how they grow, change, and adapt is key to studying endurance training, and essential to understand training principles for endurance events.