Which muscle fiber type has the greatest potential for hypertrophy?

The muscle fiber type with the greatest potential for hypertrophy is Type 2 fibers. These fibers are often referred to as fast-twitch fibers and are known for their ability to generate a high amount of force and power. They are predominantly engaged during high-intensity, explosive movements and resistance training.

Type 2 fibers have a larger cross-sectional area compared to slow-twitch fibers (Type 1), which allows them to accommodate a greater volume of contractile proteins. This enables a more significant increase in muscle size or hypertrophy when subjected to resistance training stimuli. Moreover, Type 2 fibers fatigue quicker than Type 1 fibers, which is suitable for activities that require short bursts of intense effort.

Type 1 fibers, on the other hand, are slow-twitch fibers that are more endurance-oriented, meaning they have less potential for significant increases in size compared to fast-twitch fibers. Type 3 and Type 4 fibers are less commonly referenced in conventional discussions of muscle fiber types and do not have the same recognized classification or involvement in strength training adaptations.