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Training-Induced Metabolic Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle
Esther Garcia-Dominguez1, Maria Carmen Gomez-Cabrera2,3, Gloria Olaso Gonzalez1,4
1Freshage Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, CIBERFES, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Elite athletes reveal how skeletal muscle metabolism adapts to exercise intensity. Understanding these adaptations, including carbohydrate use and fuel utilization, can inform therapeutic strategies for various patient populations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Metabolism fuels cellular activities, including energy production and synthesis.
- Elite athletes provide insights into molecular and cellular adaptations to intense metabolic demands.
- Understanding exercise metabolism may reveal therapeutic targets for patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review skeletal muscle cell peculiarities (myofibers).
- To overview skeletal muscle metabolism based on exercise intensity.
- To discuss metabolic adaptations to exercise training.
Main Methods:
- Review of structural and functional aspects of myofibers.
- Analysis of metabolic demands during different exercise intensities (high-intensity, intermittent, long-lasting).
- Discussion of metabolic adaptations to cardiorespiratory and resistance training.
Main Results:
- Carbohydrates are crucial for ATP production during high-intensity exercise.
- Fat metabolism is downregulated during high aerobic exercise in athletes.
- Adaptations include fiber-type transitions, improved mitochondrial function, and altered fuel stores.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle metabolism is highly adaptable to exercise demands.
- Exercise-induced adaptations enhance energy production and substrate utilization.
- Studying elite athletes offers valuable insights into metabolic regulation and potential therapies.
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