Corticospinal adaptations following resistance training and its relationship with strength: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis

Neural adaptations to resistance training (RT) and their correlation with muscle strength remain partially understood. We conducted a systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis to examine the effects of metronome-paced (MP), self-paced (SP), and isometric (IM) training on M1 and corticospinal pathway activity. Following MP RT, a significant increase in corticospinal excitability was observed, correlating with increased strength. Conversely, no significant relationship was found after SP or IM training. RT also reduced the duration of the cortical silent period, but this change did not predict strength changes and was not specific to any training modality. No significant effects were found for short-interval intracortical inhibition. Our findings suggest that changes in corticospinal excitability may contribute to strength gains after RT. Furthermore, the relationship between these adaptations and strength appears dependent on the type of training performed. •RT increases strength, corticospinal excitability, and decreases inhibition significantly.•Changes in corticospinal excitability are good predictors of changes in strength after RT.•Changes in inhibitory corticospinal circuits after RT do not predict changes in strength.•Excitability and strength increase largely based on resistance exercise type.•Metronome-paced training boosts corticospinal excitability and strength more than self-paced and isometric training.