Bear Size ~

[Polar]

On the other hand, Ib brute strength-type fibers, at the same mass as either of IIa/x or IIb fibers, produce approximately 80% more force than the two fibers at maximum contraction, albeit at a much much slower rate, at approx. 13 (have to look back at the article: I found new research on muscle fibers about two years ago, but sadly didn't save it under my Google Drive) seconds for max force.

People think that greater fast-twitch fiber levels (bigger muscles) will lead to an increased maximum amount of force output. No, it will only lead to an increased amount of force output within the shortest amount of time. That's how the "fast-twitch fibers are stronger than slow-twitch fibers" myth originated, because of the confusion between power (maximum force output within shortest amount of time) and strength (maximum force output overall at any time.) Really, at the same volume, a muscle composed of Ib fibers will be humongously stronger at maximum contraction than a muscle composed of either IIa/x or IIb fibers, however, the IIa/x muscle will contract more force than the Ib muscle for the first one second, and IIb muscle will contract more force than the IIa/x muscle before one second and much more force than the Ib muscle during that same time period. It's all about the rate/time of contraction.

I will post more on real-life uses of fast-twitch IIa/x and IIb fibers and slow-twitch Ib fibers later. Reply