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Understanding Mitochondrial Density

Jul 13, 2022

Edited by: Danielle Abel

Mitochondrial Density Meaning

Mitochondrial adaptations differ between cardiovascular training & resistance training so when training an athlete it's essential to program based upon the needs and goals of the athlete to maximize the training adaptations. 

Untrained muscle cell physiology 

  • An individual who is untrained will have a set number of mitochondria within the muscle cell

From here, the individual may choose more of a cardiovascular focus to their training or they may choose more of a resistance training focus. Each training focus will produce specific mitochondrial adaptations based upon the exercise demands and bioenergetics of the chosen training type. 

Cardiovascular training

If the individual chooses to perform more cardiovascular style training their mitochondria density will increase through the total number of mitochondria and the size of the mitochondria within the cell. However, the size of the muscle will not increase, the muscle size will stay the same. 

Resistance training

If the individual chooses to perform more resistance style training, their muscle size will increase, and therefore their mitochondrial density will decrease in size and the total number of mitochondria within the cell. 

Other Adaptations

With greater mitochondrial density, metabolic enzymes will also up-regulate to accommodate the added mitochondrial demands. For example, myoglobin a protein-based enzyme also increases to bring even more oxygen to the muscle cells. So increasing mitochondrial density can also improve the efficiency and capacity of the muscular system as well. 

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