The effects of eccentric and concentric training at different velocities on muscle hypertrophy

The effects of eccentric and concentric training at different velocities on muscle hypertrophy

Jonathan P. Farthing and Philip D. Chilibeck
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Gymnasium Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5C2, Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of isokinetic eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) training at two velocities [fast, 180° s–1 (3.14 rad s–1) and slow,30° s–1(0.52 rad s–1)] on muscle hypertrophy. Twenty-four untrained volunteers (age 18–36 years) participated in fast- (n=13) or slow- (n=11) velocity training, where they trained one arm eccentrically for 8 weeks followed by CON training of the opposite arm for 8 weeks. Ten subjects served as controls (CNT). Subjects were tested before and after training for elbow flexor muscle thickness by sonography and isokinetic strength (Biodex). Overall, ECC training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON training (P<0.01). No significant strength or hypertrophy changes occurred in the CNT group. ECC (180° s–1) training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON (180° s–1) training and CON (30° s–1) training (P<0.01). ECC (30° s–1) training resulted in greater hypertrophy than CON (180° s–1) training (P<0.05), but not CON (30° s–1) training. ECC (180° s–1) training resulted in the greatest increases in strength (P<0.01). We conclude that ECC fast training is the most effective for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain.

Keywords Resistance training - Strength

aren’t the 2 different velocities at 2 different movement ranges, which would not be fairly comparable?

IMO there is not enough detail in this description of the study for it to be of any use.

MAJOR FLAW - we all know the adaption to exercise is best in the first few weeks for people who are new to training, and the rate of improvement slows as time goes on.

This fact is standard stuff in even the most basic applied physiology text book.

Full text of this study posted in a forum thread here:

http://www.mindandmuscle.net/forum//index.php?act=ST&f=9&t=4030

The most interesting thing to me in this study is the rate of force development (RFD) differences between the fast and slow eccentric protocols. It’s discussed as being insignificant but we all know that due to the limited time available to develop force in sprinting at high speeds any difference in RFD could be significant.