Bigger Muscles Don’t Mean Better Quality: Study
When it comes to building stronger, leaner muscles, many of us focus on increasing our muscle mass. We spend hours in the gym, lifting weights and doing reps, all in the hopes of growing bigger, stronger muscles. But a new study suggests that this focus on muscle size may be misguided. According to a recent study published in Physiological Society Reports, muscle quality, not size, is what truly matters when it comes to muscle health and performance.
The study found that muscle quality, measured by phase angle via bioelectrical impedance, is more closely related to an individual’s level of physical activity and training than it is to muscle size or body weight. This challenges the conventional wisdom that bigger muscles are better, and may change the way athletes, trainers, and clinicians evaluate true muscle health and performance.
So, what is phase angle, and why does it matter when it comes to your muscles? To understand the significance of this study, it’s essential to first understand what phase angle is and how it’s measured.
What is Phase Angle?
Phase angle is a measure of the electrical impedance of the body, which is the opposition to the flow of an electric current. When an individual’s body is exposed to a low-level electrical current, the current will flow through the body and encounter resistance as it encounters different tissues, such as muscle, fat, and bone. This resistance is measured as impedance, and the phase angle is the angle between the voltage and current as they flow through the body.
In the context of muscle health, phase angle is a valuable indicator of muscle quality. When an individual has high-quality muscle tissue, the phase angle will be higher, indicating that the muscle is capable of generating a strong electrical signal. Conversely, when an individual has low-quality muscle tissue, the phase angle will be lower, indicating that the muscle is less capable of generating an electrical signal.
Why Does Phase Angle Matter?
So, why is phase angle important when it comes to muscle health and performance? The answer lies in the fact that phase angle is a more accurate indicator of muscle function than muscle size or body weight. While muscle size may be an indicator of strength and power, it does not necessarily reflect the quality of the muscle tissue itself.
For example, an individual may have large muscles, but if the muscle tissue is low-quality, it may not be able to generate the same level of strength or power as an individual with smaller muscles but high-quality tissue. This is because high-quality muscle tissue is capable of generating a stronger electrical signal, which is essential for proper muscle function.
In the context of athletic performance, this means that athletes who focus solely on building bigger muscles may not necessarily be optimizing their muscle function. Instead, they may be building muscle size at the expense of muscle quality, which can lead to decreased performance over time.
The Implications of the Study
The implications of this study are significant, and challenge the conventional wisdom that bigger muscles are better. For athletes, trainers, and clinicians, this means that it’s essential to focus on building high-quality muscle tissue, rather than simply building muscle size.
This can be achieved through a combination of proper training and nutrition. For example, incorporating exercises that focus on slow, controlled movements, such as bodyweight exercises or resistance band exercises, can help to build high-quality muscle tissue. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target specific muscle fibers, such as high-intensity interval training, can also help to build high-quality muscle tissue.
In terms of nutrition, ensuring adequate protein intake is essential for building and maintaining high-quality muscle tissue. This can be achieved through a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, and eggs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study published in Physiological Society Reports suggests that muscle quality, measured by phase angle via bioelectrical impedance, is more closely related to an individual’s level of physical activity and training than it is to muscle size or body weight. This challenges the conventional wisdom that bigger muscles are better, and may change the way athletes, trainers, and clinicians evaluate true muscle health and performance.
By focusing on building high-quality muscle tissue, rather than simply building muscle size, individuals can optimize their muscle function and achieve better performance. This can be achieved through a combination of proper training and nutrition, and may involve incorporating exercises that target specific muscle fibers and ensuring adequate protein intake.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/what-is-phase-angle-and-why-it-matters-for-your-muscles
