Nerve and muscle: neural adaptation to training: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Physiology · Nerve and muscle: neural adaptation to training

Sample item

A previously untrained man starts resistance training and his lifting strength rises considerably within the first 3 weeks, although his muscle bulk is unchanged. What mainly explains the early gain?

ANeural adaptation with better motor unit recruitment and synchronisationBConversion of all fibres to the slow oxidative typeCAn increase in the number of muscle fibresDLarge increases in myofibril number in each fibre

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Neural adaptation with better motor unit recruitment and synchronisation

Early strength gains come from neural adaptations, including greater recruitment, firing rate and synchronisation of motor units and reduced inhibition. Hypertrophy through added myofibrils follows over subsequent weeks. Hyperplasia of fibres is minimal in humans.

Option by option

A. Neural adaptation with better motor unit recruitment and synchronisation (correct)
Correct. Early gains are mainly from improved neural drive.
B. Conversion of all fibres to the slow oxidative type
Resistance training does not convert fibres to the slow oxidative type.
C. An increase in the number of muscle fibres
Increase in fibre number is minimal in adult humans.
D. Large increases in myofibril number in each fibre
Myofibril hypertrophy takes weeks to produce visible bulk.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Neural adaptation with better motor unit recruitment and synchronisation. Early strength gains come from neural adaptations, including greater recruitment, firing rate and synchronisation of motor units and reduced inhibition.

Why is "Conversion of all fibres to the slow oxidative type" not the answer?

Resistance training does not convert fibres to the slow oxidative type.

Why is "An increase in the number of muscle fibres" not the answer?

Increase in fibre number is minimal in adult humans.

Why is "Large increases in myofibril number in each fibre" not the answer?

Myofibril hypertrophy takes weeks to produce visible bulk.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve and muscle: neural adaptation to training in Physiology. Hypertrophy through added myofibrils follows over subsequent weeks. Hyperplasia of fibres is minimal in humans.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nerve and muscle: neural adaptation to training?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.