We are studying how the nervous system responds to resistance training. Join us and test your bicep strength!
The corticospinal tract as well as the cortico-reticular tract are major descending neural pathways that impact the movement of the human body. However, the acute effects of resistance loading on neural functioning and the associated influence of sex hormones (e.g. testosterone and oestrogen) are not yet fully understood.
Our study aims to investigate the effects of a single bout of strength training on cortico-reticular excitability and the potential sex differences influencing fatigability.
What are the benefits for you?
- Body composition and physical performance measurements: gain valuable insights into your body and its capabilities.
- Test your limits: take part in a maximal strength test measuring bicep force production.
- Advance science: your participation may provide important data on how the nervous system responds to resistance training and help deepen understanding of sex differences in exercise science.
Eligibility criteria
- Male and female participants aged 18–45
- At least 6 months of resistance training experience (minimum once per week)
- No epilepsy or other neurological disorders, and no family history of such conditions. No metallic implants in the skull.
- For female participants: either a regular menstrual cycle during the past six months or hormonal contraception (e.g., birth control pills/minipills) with a low hormone phase.
Tests include
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Maximal bicep curl strength test
Each measurement session lasts approximately 1.5 hours (2 visits in total).
Location
University of Jyväskylä, Sport and Health Laboratory
Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä
These measurements are part of the COROLLA study, officially titled:
“Acute cortico-reticular responses to resistance loading in males and females.”
Sign up
If you're interested, please contact us by email no later than December 10, 2025. We will get in touch with you after your registration.
Contact information:
Julia Stanger
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
julia.m.stanger@jyu.fi
Simon Walker, Academy Research Fellow
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
simon.walker@jyu.fi
