Difference between fast and slow twitch muscles
Fast and Slow twitch muscle fibres
Muscles are made of two types of fiber, these are slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibres.
The ratio of these muscle fibers is 50:50, muscles are made up of up to 100,000 different fibres.
The number of fibres in each of each muscle gets determined when the sperm gets fertilized in the womb in other words it is genetically determined.
Activities like running and weight lifting would determine which particular type of muscle fiber gets developed.
Fast Twitch Muscles
Fast twitch muscle fibers work faster than the slow twitch muscle fibers (surprising). Fast twitch muscles emit more power, but the drawback of this kind of muscle fiber is that it cannot emit energy for long periods of time.
Fast twitch muscles are used in anaerobic activities such as sprint running and body building. Fast twitch muscles receive signals from the brain at a much faster rate and thus the action of these muscles fiber is faster. Fast twitch muscles remain in contraction for a very low period of time before they need to rest or fail.
Slow Twitch Muscles
Slow Twitch muscle fibers work slower. These kinds of muscle fibers are termed as type1 muscle fibers, and can withstand energy for longer periods of time. Slow twitch muscle fiber do not emit the same force in comparison with fast twitch muscles. Slow twitching muscles are useful for aerobic activities such as long distance running, swimming, biking and activities that need stamina. Slow twitch muscles are a kind of backup for the fast twitch muscles. The higher the repetition of the work the more the energy is expelled by the muscle.
Tags: Exercise, fast twitch muscle, muscle, muscle fibers, muscle make up, muscles used when running, slow twitch muscle