English

Abstract

Introduction: According to the literature, eccentric exercise has been considered a precursor of neuromuscular changes generated by post-exercise damage, mainly causing an alteration in the muscle cell membrane. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) has been one of the physiological variables that have allowed to quantify this alteration. Some investigations have shown a decrease in the MFCV after eccentric exercise protocols; however, few studies have confirmed these findings. This review aimed to describe the recent scientific evidence that reports changes in the MFCV after eccentric exercise protocols. Material and method: From 265 articles, 6 articles were selected from EBSCO and MEDLINE platforms with a temporal filter of 10 years (between 2010 and April 2020), using inclusion/exclusion criteria predetermined. Firstly, the information from eccentric exercise effect on MFCV, and exercise protocols were described. Secondly, the techniques used to record electromyographic signals and some criteria to determine the MFCV were reported. Results: Modifications of MFCV can be observed after eccentric exercise in almost all selected articles. At the same time, a decrease of this variable was observed in four studies, associated with the biceps brachii and two portions of the quadriceps muscles. However, one article describes an increase of the MFCV in the vastus lateralis quadriceps. Conclusion: The articles suggest that eccentric contractions could modify the MFCV behavior of some muscles. However, evidence is still lacking to describe the real cause of these changes.