International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which factors significantly affect strength?

1. Structural, Physiological, Psychoneural, Environmental

2. Diet and nutrition

3. Age and sex

4. Only practice and technique

The correct answer is: Structural, Physiological, Psychoneural, Environmental

The factors that significantly affect strength encompass a broad range of influences that can be categorized into structural, physiological, psychoneural, and environmental components. Structural factors refer to the physical composition of muscles, bones, and connective tissues, which affect how much force a person can exert. This includes aspects such as muscle fiber type distribution, limb length, and joint mechanics. Physiological factors pertain to the body's biological systems that contribute to strength production, such as muscle hypertrophy, energy production pathways, and hormonal influences. These elements play crucial roles in how effectively the body can generate and sustain force. Psychoneural factors involve the interaction between the mind and nervous system in strength development. This includes motivation, mental focus, and the neural adaptations that occur with training, which can enhance strength performance through improved motor unit recruitment and synchronization. Environmental factors include the context in which strength training occurs, such as available equipment, training conditions, and social support, all of which can influence a person's ability to train effectively and safely. While diet, nutrition, age, sex, practice, and technique are undoubtedly important, they do not collectively encompass the broader spectrum of influences on strength as effectively as the comprehensive set of factors presented in the correct choice.