Abstract
Eccentric exercise training using low intensity-high volume approach has been performed to improve maximal muscle strength and power. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of short-term downhill walking and level walking training on lower limb strength and maximal oxygen uptake of active individuals. Eighteen young adults were divided into level walking group (n = 9) or downhill walking training group (n = 9). Both groups performed a four-week training program. The level walking group performed seven level walking sessions per week, while the downhill walking group walked downhill (-16%) in the same weekly frequency. One week before and one week after the training protocol, maximal oxygen uptake, muscle-bone cross-sectional area and isometric peak torque of knee extensors and plantar flexors were assessed for both groups. A significant group vs. time interaction was found only for cross sectional area of plantar flexors (PF), showing increases for the downhill walking group (112.6 ± 28.9 cm2 vs. 115.9 ± 29 cm2) but not for the level walking group (94.9 ± 23.3 cm2vs. 94.6 ± 228 cm2). Maximal oxygen uptake remained unaltered after training for both groups and IPT was increased after training for both groups. It was concluded that short-term downhill walking training does not seem to be efficient in promoting improvements in cardiorrespiratory fitness of young adults. However, it seems to promote gains in some variables related to neuromuscular fitness.
Highlights
Regular exercise helps to improve health-related components of physical fitness such as aerobic power, exercise economy and muscular strength
The 0.5 km/h increases performed every week resulted in very small increases in oxygen consumption on the second week (DWG: 0.8%; level walking training (LWG): 1.4%)
The increases in this variable were substantially higher for both groups (DWG: 11%; LWG: 14.7%)
Summary
Regular exercise helps to improve health-related components of physical fitness such as aerobic power, exercise economy and muscular strength. Adaptations promoted by physical exercise are highly specific[1,2,3]. Endurance training improves aerobic-related indexes [e.g., maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)] with little effect on muscle mass. Resistance exercise increases strength, power, and lean body mass, without changes in VO2max. In an attempt to improve simultaneously all health-related components, strength and endurance training have been performed concurrently (i.e., concurrent training)[4,5]. When endurance and strength training are performed simultaneously, there are fewer gains of both strength and skeletal muscle mass[6,7]. A greater training volume in each session and/or a higher weekly frequency is necessary to perform endurance and strength training concurrently[4]
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