Which of the following is NOT a cause of higher neural drive to the working muscle?

The correct answer highlights a key concept in understanding neural drive and its impact on muscle function. Higher neural drive to the working muscle refers to the nervous system's ability to increase muscle activation, which is essential for improving strength and performance.

Increased synchronization among motor units is a factor that contributes to higher neural drive. When motor units within a muscle contract more simultaneously, it leads to a more forceful contraction. Therefore, greater synchronization enhances the collective output of the muscle, supporting increased performance.

On the other hand, decreased synchronization would lead to less effective recruitment of muscle fibers during contraction, resulting in lower force production and efficiency. Consequently, it does not support increased neural drive to the working muscle, making it the correct response in this scenario.

In contrast, increased muscle hypertrophy and agonist muscle recruitment are both factors that positively influence neural drive. Larger muscle fibers and more motor units being activated contribute to a greater capability for force generation. Therefore, recognizing these relationships between neural drive and muscle recruitment dynamics is crucial for understanding how strength training and muscle performance are interrelated.