Final answer:
Children's strength gains are primarily due to neurological factors rather than muscular hypertrophy. Early child development includes periods of rapid neural pathway creation and pruning, facilitated by the brain's neuroplasticity which greatly influences strength improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the primary factors responsible for strength gains in children. While hypertrophy, which is the increase in muscle size due to factors like hormones, stress, and resistance training, does play a role in strength development, it's the neurological factors that are primarily responsible for strength gains in the early years of development.
During early childhood, significant neurological development occurs, including the blooming period of creating new neural pathways and the pruning period of eliminating unused synapses. These processes contribute greatly to the growth of a child's strength and motor skills. The concept of neuroplasticity also illustrates how the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections is critical for functional development, including strength. Furthermore, the number of skeletal muscle fibers, which remain constant from birth, rely on neurological input for force production. Increased efficiency in neurological pathways can lead to greater strength without a corresponding increase in muscle size.
For children, increased neuromuscular efficiency, rather than muscular hypertrophy, is the primary source of strength gains. In children, such as those with developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurological factors can significantly affect physical capabilities, showcasing that while visible muscle size may not change noticeably, neurological connectivity and function are paramount for the development of strength.