Athletic Training Practice Exam

What principle states that muscle strength and endurance increase through workloads greater than previously encountered?

1. PRE principle

2. Overload principle

3. Power training principle

4. Strength duration curve

The correct answer is: Overload principle

The principle that states muscle strength and endurance increase through workloads greater than previously encountered is known as the overload principle. This principle emphasizes that in order to make gains in muscle strength, endurance, or overall fitness, a person must continually challenge their body with increased levels of work. By engaging in training that exceeds previous levels of intensity, volume, or duration, the body adapts over time, leading to improved performance. In contrast, the other options do not specifically address the requirement of progressive increases in workload for strength and endurance improvements. The PRE principle, for example, refers to the principle of progressive resistance exercise, which is one method that applies the overload principle but does not encapsulate it entirely. Power training principle focuses on enhancing explosive strength rather than general muscle endurance or strength. The strength duration curve relates to how muscle strength can vary with different durations of exertion but does not directly explain the necessity of increasing workload for improvement.