Figure 3.

Interaction of the extracellular matrix (ECM), connective tissue, and cytoskeleton protein networks surrounding skeletal muscle myofibrils. Research on the cellular adaptations that occur with strength training have predominantly focused within skeletal muscle. Recent research has begun to highlight the role of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DAGC) and integrin complexes in force transmission and the possible contribution of structures outside the muscle to force transfer and overall strength. Few studies have investigated the contribution of the ECM to muscle force transfer and/or how these complexes may adapt over a period of time with training. However, hyperlax individuals (with mutations in collagen VI) show slowed rates of force development, indicating that the ECM is important in muscle function.