Lakeland University Exercise Science Research Advances Strength Training Insights

Overview of the Motor Unit Study

In September 2025, Assistant Professor Caleb Voskuil, Ph.D., of Lakeland University’s Department of Exercise Science announced a new article slated for publication in the Journal of Neurophysiology. The research, a collaboration with scholars from Texas Christian University, Kansas State University, and the University of Central Florida, tracked the activity of individual motor units during near‑maximal biceps curls in 35 healthy adults. By applying a high‑density wearable electromyography (EMG) sensor combined with AI‑based signal processing, the team was able to identify and follow 1,361 distinct motor units over the course of the exercise.

Study Design and High‑Density EMG Technology

The experiment placed 128‑channel EMG grids on participants’ upper arms, allowing the recording of fine‑grained electrical signals generated by muscle fibers. The signal‑processing algorithm automatically sorted spikes into individual motor units, accurately measuring their firing rates and amplitude under varying load conditions. The use of wearable sensors ensured that movement quality was preserved, emulating real‑world strength‑training scenarios rather than constrained laboratory tasks.

Key Findings: Load Sensitivity and Recruitment Patterns

Contrary to the traditional view that motor‑unit recruitment follows a fixed order, the data reveal that even a small load increase—samples of 5–10 % heavier than the baseline—prompted the motor‑unit system to fire more strongly. Yet the overall recruitment pattern, that is, the sequence in which motor units were activated, remained stable. This indicates that the nervous system fine‑tunes the magnitude of muscle output without reorganizing the recruitment hierarchy when adapting to higher intensities.

Sex Differences in Motor Unit Activation

Impact on Training Protocols

One of the study’s most striking observations was the noticeable sex separation at the high‑intensity end of the loading spectrum. Men tended to exhibit higher firing rates and larger amplitude signals than women, suggesting a greater contribution from fast‑twitch fibers in male participants. Coaches interpreting these results should consider that while both sexes engage similar motor‑unit recruitment orders, the overall force output may differ due to fiber type distribution.

Rehabilitation Considerations

Physical‑therapy practitioners can translate these insights into tailored programs for male and female clients. For example, when restoring function after arm injuries, therapists might begin with loads that incrementally exceed the patient’s current threshold, thereby engaging stronger motor‑unit firing without shifting recruitment patterns. Gender‑specific adjustments, such as slightly heavier loads for women or focused fast‑twitch conditioning for men, could accelerate return‑to‑performance timelines.

Practical Guidance for Coaches and Therapists

Adjusting Load for Optimal Motor Unit Response

To harness the load‑sensitivity mechanism demonstrated by the study, trainers should employ a structured 5–10 % incremental loading strategy during strength sessions. If a client’s baseline repetition maximum (1RM) is 80 kg, adding a 4–8 kg variable plate and monitoring perceived effort can enhance motor‑unit activation while avoiding over‑recruitment or fatigue. Consistent application over successive training cycles promotes neural adaptations that translate to sustainable strength gains.

Designing Sex‑Specific Strength Programs

• For male athletes: prioritize heavier loads that trigger higher firing rates, complemented by explosive exercises that recruit fast‑twitch fibers.
• For female athletes: focus on progressive overload with moderate increases in load while emphasizing technique and joint stability, ensuring fast‑twitch activation without compromising neuromuscular coordination.
• In rehabilitation settings: start at 70–75 % of 1RM and increase by 5–10 % when the patient reports comfortable execution, always monitoring muscle soreness and fatigue.

Future Directions in Exercise Physiology

AI‑Enhanced Signal Analysis in Training

The integration of AI for real‑time motor‑unit tracking opens the possibility for on‑the‑spot biofeedback during training. Wearable EMG paired with smart software could alert athletes when motor‑unit firing reaches optimal ranges, enabling immediate adjustments to training load or technique. Such precision coaching could become standard practice in elite sports and high‑level rehabilitation programs.

Implications for Population Health

Beyond elite performance, understanding motor‑unit responses to incremental loading can inform resistance‑training prescriptions for older adults, patients with chronic conditions, and populations at risk of sarcopenia. By tailoring load increments that provoke stronger motor‑unit firing, clinicians can design safer yet effective programs that maintain muscle mass and functional capacity across the lifespan.

How Lakeland University Supports Cutting‑Edge Research

Internship and Research Opportunities

Students enrolled in Lakeland University’s exercise science curriculum gain hands‑on experience in state‑of‑the‑art laboratories. Through co‑research placements with faculty, participants can assist in designing experiments, operating EMG equipment, and performing data analysis. These on‑the‑ground experiences prepare graduates with transferable skills in both academic and industry settings.

Apply to the Exercise Science Program

Prospective students interested in the science of movement, strength training, and rehabilitation may explore Lakeland University’s exercise science offerings. The program emphasizes applied research, evidence‑based practice, and the integration of emerging technologies such as AI and wearable sensors. If you are ready to pursue a career at the intersection of science and physical performance, consider enrolling today.

Ready to learn more about how these findings can shape your coaching or therapy practice? Contact our Admissions Team for personalized guidance or explore our online admissions portal to begin your journey with Lakeland University.

Interested in what we’re doing in the lab? Visit our Research Lab page to see current projects and potential internship opportunities. Finally, if you have any questions or wish to discuss how motor‑unit science can apply to your specific context, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.