Skeletal Muscle Memory: An Update From the Antidoping Perspective

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Muscle memory is the concept of information retention within skeletal muscle tissue.
• This phenomenon is linked to physiological and biochemical mechanisms.
• Understanding muscle memory is crucial for antidoping efforts in sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of muscle memory.
• To investigate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of information retention in skeletal muscle.
• To examine the role of muscle memory in relation to antidoping.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Discussion of satellite cell function in myonuclei recruitment.
• Analysis of myonuclear domain theory and muscle protein synthesis (MPS).

Main Results:

• Satellite cells contribute to myonuclei recruitment, increasing myonuclear density and muscle protein turnover.
• Persisting myonuclei acquired during hypertrophy may enhance MPS, supporting muscle memory benefits.
• Sustained training, protein intake, resistance exercise, and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) impact muscle memory.

Conclusions:

• Muscle memory involves persistent myonuclei and heightened muscle protein turnover.
• Genetic and epigenetic factors like DNA methylation may contribute to muscle memory.
• Further research into training, AAS, and genetics is vital for antidoping and ethical sports practices.