John D. Perry<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>Your P&Ps and other thought provokers are always great, Mel, but this was one
of the best. Thanks
***Many thanks for the kind feedback - I have always been a bit envious of my
gorilla relatives! Though this may all seem somewhat frivolous, I am being
entirely serious in most respects about this puzzle - if someone could offer
relevant references on this issue, I would be most interested, especially in
some comparative studies on human and gorilla physiology and performance.
I think that I read about a gene for strength or hypertrophy recently having
been discovered - it would be interesting to compare the equivalent or similar
gene for man and ape. I have a strong suspicion that microscopic manipulation
of genes ('genetic engineering') is going to make the steroid-creatine-
prohormone debate pale into insignificance in too many years' time. The
Olympics and pro sport are going to be even greater showcases of laboratory
experimentation than they already are.
There is no doubt that some creatures (even from the same birth litter) are
born with the potential to become stronger and bigger than others, even if
their activity levels are similar, so that there must be some genetic link in
the strength and hypertrophy puzzle. In other words, though there might well
be a gene or collection of genes which determine one's strength, hypertrophy
or endurance potential, there would also appear to be individualised
variations on that same genetic theme.
Now, mechanical stress has a powerful expression on gene expression, so does
this mean that the nurture or training effect might be greater in some than in
others? Thus, there may be a genetic potential to develop some physical
quality, but also another potential which determines one's individual response
to the way in which that potential develops in response to training.
This suggests that some folk may have great innate strength potential, but a
slow responding potential to maximise its expression, while other folk may
have only moderate strength potential, but rapid responding potential to
maximise its expression. Consequently, the latter may become a better athlete
than the former. There are several variations on the same them which others
can play with as 'thought experiments'.
Just some speculations on why gorillas and some people are so much stronger
and bigger than I am, despite many years of serious Olympic Weightlifting!
Would anyone else care to share their speculations? And don't imagine that
these are irrelevant to physical therapy, since rehabilitation is all about
physical conditioning under special circumstances!
Dr Mel C Siff
Littleton, Colorado, USA
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Sincerely
Mel
Dr Mel C Siff
Littleton, Colorado, USA
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