Physiological and Neural Adaptations to Eccentric Exercise: Mechanisms and Considerations for Training.

Nosratollah Hedayatpour,Deborah Falla

doi:10.1155/2015/193741

Nosratollah Hedayatpour, Deborah Falla

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/193741

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Abstract

Eccentric exercise is characterized by initial unfavorable effects such as subcellular muscle damage, pain, reduced fiber excitability, and initial muscle weakness. However, stretch combined with overload, as in eccentric contractions, is an effective stimulus for inducing physiological and neural adaptations to training. Eccentric exercise-induced adaptations include muscle hypertrophy, increased cortical activity, and changes in motor unit behavior, all of which contribute to improved muscle function. In this brief review, neuromuscular adaptations to different forms of exercise are reviewed, the positive training effects of eccentric exercise are presented, and the implications for training are considered.

Highlights

Neuromuscular and functional changes induced by exercise are specific to the mode of exercise performed
This paper provides a brief overview of studies documenting physiological and neural adaptations in response to exercise training, with an emphasis on eccentric exercise
Mechanical tension induced by high intensity exercise can increase the rate of metabolic stress and stimulate subcellular pathways involved in protein synthesis such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which may BioMed Research International play a role in exercise-induced muscle growth [1, 2]

Summary

Introduction

Neuromuscular and functional changes induced by exercise are specific to the mode of exercise performed. The degree of mechanical tension, subcellular damage, and metabolic stress can all play a role in exercise-induced muscle adaptations [1,2,3,4,5]. Of the three types of muscle contractions that can be utilized during exercise (concentric, isometric, and eccentric), eccentric exercises are those actions in which the muscle lengthens under tension. Eccentric exercise is characterized by muscle microlesions and greater mechanical tension as compared to concentric/isometric contractions and may result in greater muscle adaptations. All forms of exercise may induce impressive muscle adaptation, it is not always clear which method is best for maximizing adaptation gains. This paper provides a brief overview of studies documenting physiological (metabolic, histochemical) and neural adaptations in response to exercise training, with an emphasis on eccentric exercise

Exercise Training and Physiological Adaptations

Exercise Training and Neural Adaptations

Considerations

Findings

Conclusion