Abstract
This study assessed the efficacy of strength training using augmented eccentric loading to provoke increases in leg strength in well-trained athletes, and sprint track cyclists, using a novel leg press device. Twelve well-trained athletes were randomly allocated traditional resistance training (TRAD, n = 6), or resistance training using augmented eccentric loading (AEL, n = 6). A further 5 full-time, professional sprint track cyclists from a senior national squad programme also trained with augmented eccentric loading (AEL-ATH) alongside their usual sport-specific training. Participants completed four weeks of twice-weekly resistance training using the leg press exercise. In TRAD the lowering phase of the lift was set relative to concentric strength. In AEL and AEL-ATH the lowering phase was individualised to eccentric strength. Concentric, eccentric, isometric and coupled eccentric-concentric leg press strength, and back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM), were assessed pre- and post-training. The AEL and AEL-ATH groups performed the eccentric phase with an average 26 ± 4% greater load across the programme. All groups experienced increases in concentric (5%, 7% and 3% for TRAD, AEL & AEL-ATH respectively), eccentric (7%, 11% and 6% for TRAD, AEL & AEL-ATH respectively), and squat 1RM (all p < 0.05), where the AEL-ATH group experienced relatively greater increases (13% vs. 5% in TRAD and AEL, p < 0.01). The TRAD and AEL groups also increased isometric strength (p < 0.05). A four-week period of augmented eccentric loading increased leg strength in well-trained athletes and track cyclists. The eccentric leg press stimulus was well-tolerated, supporting the inclusion of such training in the preparation programmes of athletes.
Highlights
Muscular strength is a major contributing factor to athletic performance [1]
Humans are able to produce greater magnitudes of force during eccentric movements [5], and training strategies that afford an overload of eccentric muscle actions are potentially more efficacious than traditional resistance training [6,7,8], for athletes with a long training history who might be limited in their potential to adapt to traditional resistance training methods [9,10,11]
The aim of this work was to ascertain the feasibility and efficacy of training with a novel leg press device, that affords an overload of muscle lengthening actions, in well-trained strength athletes and professional sprint track cyclists
Summary
Greater muscular strength is associated with enhanced movement performance [2] and a decreased risk of injury. Conventional resistance training exercises, such as the squat and deadlift, are efficacious in improving muscular strength, they are limited by the amount of mass the athlete is able to lift in the concentric phase. Humans are able to produce greater magnitudes of force during eccentric movements [5], and training strategies that afford an overload of eccentric muscle actions are potentially more efficacious than traditional resistance training [6,7,8], for athletes with a long training history who might be limited in their potential to adapt to traditional resistance training methods [9,10,11]. The potential novelty offered by eccentric training strategies, coupled with the potential to elicit higher muscular forces than traditional training, makes such approaches attractive to well-trained athletic populations
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