What is hyperplasia in the context of muscle mass changes?

Hyperplasia refers to an increase in muscle size as a result of muscle fibers splitting and multiplying. This physiological process can occur when muscles are subjected to consistent and progressive overload during strength training. While hypertrophy, another term commonly associated with muscle growth, involves the enlargement of existing muscle fibers, hyperplasia specifically describes the formation of new muscle fibers.

In a structured training environment, especially with high intensity and volume, the stress placed on muscles can trigger satellite cells to activate. These satellite cells contribute to the formation of new muscle fibers, leading to enhanced muscle size and potentially even improved overall muscle function. Understanding hyperplasia is essential for fitness professionals aiming to optimize training protocols and achieve specific muscle development goals for their clients.