Effect of Range of Motion in the Various Eccentric Exercise Intensities – A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Purpose of the studyTo assess the functional limitations in the activities of daily living (ADL) and the level of muscle pain in individuals after completing small range of motion eccentric exercises with and without yoga poses.Methods and MaterialsTwelve research participants (untrained active healthy men and women) aged between 18 and 30 years were recruited from the students of the University of New England and were randomly assigned into groups 1 and 2. Four muscle groups (elbow and knee flexors and extensors) were selected (one muscle group per limb) from each participant and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were calculated using a hand‐held dynamometer. Participants performed eccentric exercises protocol (5 × 10 repetitions) with 60° of active range of motion (AROM) using their 15% of MVIC on day 1 of first week, 25% of MVIC on day 1 of third week, and 35% of MVIC on day 1 of fifth week in the elbow and knee joints. To control the initial 60‐degrees of AROM in the elbow and knee joints, dynamic adjustable AROM controlled splints were used. Participants did not perform any exercise protocol during the weeks 2 and 4. In weeks 1, 3, and 5, after the eccentric exercise protocol (day 1), from day 2 to 6, the subjective ADL difficulty scale, visual analogue scale (VAS)) and objective assessments (pain pressure threshold (PPT), arm and thigh circumference, and AROM were carried out. Group 1 performed only exercise protocol whereas group 2 performed prior yoga poses for upper and lower limbs along with exercise protocol. Linear regression and two‐way variance of ANOVA statistical analysis were used.ResultsGroup 2 had a minimal pain and ADL difficulty when compared to group 1. Group 1 that performed exercise protocol at week 5 with 35% MVIC had a mild pain (pain scale ranged 1–2 out of 10) in the elbow extensors and knee flexors and ADL difficulty (scale ranged 1–2 out of 10) in pull a heavy object, carry an object with arm above shoulder, washing opposite armpit and back, ascending stairs, bend to pick up from the floor when compared to group 2. There was no significant difference in the AROM and, arm and thigh circumference between both groups during entire exercise protocol.ConclusionThe small range of motion eccentric exercise with low intensity and yoga poses may have great effect in reducing muscle pain. Current preliminary study can be used as an essential research for sedentary older adults with chronic conditions.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), University of New England, ME, USA ‐04005