What is a common muscle characteristic seen in individuals with pseudohypertrophy?

Enlargement without increased strength is a hallmark characteristic of pseudohypertrophy, particularly seen in conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In pseudohypertrophy, muscles, especially in the lower limbs, may appear large or swollen due to the replacement of muscle tissue with fatty or fibrous tissue. Despite this apparent increase in size, the functional capacity of the muscle is compromised, meaning the strength does not correspond to the size increase. This phenomenon is significant because it highlights that visual assessments of muscle condition can be misleading; what looks like strong, developed muscles may not have the strength to perform physical tasks effectively. This characteristic is essential for understanding the pathology of certain muscular disorders and how they impact the individual’s physical capabilities.