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Unit of study_
EXSS2030: Muscle Adaptations to Use and Disuse
2026 unit information
This unit examines muscle and neural adaptations to high-resistance training (HRT, also known as strength training) in clinical and aged populations as well as in healthy adults. To understand these adaptations the basis of muscle force development is first examined in terms of myosin function and the structural organization muscle (e.g. myofilaments, sarcomeres, myofibrils, muscle fibers) and the neural processes involved in maximal voluntary contractions. Muscle hypertrophy in response to HRT is examined, and well as muscle atrophy in response to disuse. Neural adaptations to HRT and disuse are also discussed. The unit combines this biological approach with a parallel evidence-based development of practical guidelines for HRT prescription, and outcomes of HRT in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis of RCTs in clinical conditions. Students gain skills in strength assessment in practical sessions, and in the prescription of HRT through participation in a brief HRT program. Students also gain skills in critical analysis of published RCTs examining HRT in clinical populations. Finally the unit examines concepts on muscle energy balance in terms ATP production and use during exercise, and the concepts of peripheral and central fatigue.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Movement Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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EXSS1036 and EXSS1040 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Explain the limits to voluntary muscle force production in terms of both skeletal muscle structure and neural activation
- LO2. Explain the neuro-muscular adaptations to high-resistance training in health, aging and disease
- LO3. Explain the neuro-muscular adaptations to muscle disuse, aging and chronic disease states effecting skeletal muscle
- LO4. Acquire skills in evaluating evidence-based guidelines for prescription of high-resistance training in health and disease
- LO5. Acquire skills and experience in the assessment of maximal voluntary strength and in the prescription and evaluation of a high-resistance training program
- LO6. Explain muscle energy metabolism in terms of ATP demand and supply and explain causes of fatigue during muscular exercise.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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