Acute effects of eccentric work on a bicycle ergometer

Abstract

The dynamics of delayed onset of muscle soreness after exercise on an electrically driven cycle ergometer with floating seat under preferentially concentric and eccentric conditions (forward and backward rotation of the pedals) has been evaluated using three different tests. The delayed onset of muscle soreness was determined using three different procedures: two with active contraction of the tested muscle group in multi-joint (going downstairs) and single-joint (knee extension) movements and one with passive pressure applied to the central part of m. vastus lateralis. With the use of two active tests, the maximum delayed onset of muscle soreness was recorded on the 1st-3rd days after intensive bicycle exercise without significant differences between the groups. Under conditions of passive testing, a tendency to a slower development (both an increase and a decrease) of delayed onset of muscle soreness was recorded. A positive correlation between the relative tension and the delayed onset of muscle soreness was found. Relative tension was determined as a decrease of strength during recovery related to the initial level. No relationship between volume/duration of exercise and the delayed onset of muscle soreness was found.