High-acceleration training during growth increases optimal muscle fascicle lengths in an avian bipedal model

Sprinters have been found to possess longer muscle fascicles than non-sprinters, which is thought to be beneficial for high-acceleration movements based on muscle force-length-velocity properties. However, it is unknown if their morphology is a result of genetics or training during growth. To explore the influence of training during growth, thirty guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) were split into exercise and sedentary groups. Exercise birds were housed in a large pen and underwent high-acceleration during their growth period (age 4-14 weeks), while sedentary birds were housed in small pens to restrict movement.
Source: Journal of Biomechanics - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research