THE EFFECT OF ECCENTRIC CONTRACTION SPEED ON MUSCLE SORENESS 361

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of two speeds of eccentric muscular contraction on delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), ten subjects performed eccentric biceps curls of twenty five maximal effort repetitions on a CYBEX 6000 Dynamometer. Random assignment of a one second vs a five second eccentric contraction through a 150 degree range of motion on the dominant or the non dominant arm were performed. Isometric peak torque at 90° (PT), elbow range of motion, upper arm circumference at 7 cm proximal to the antecubital crease, and a subjective DOMS rating (scale 0-10) were obtained at immediate pre and post exercise, and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post exercise. The following data were obtained: Table Statistical analysis by ANOVA (P<.05) revealed a significant decrease in peak torque for up to 48 hours and a significant elevation in subjective rating of soreness for 96 hours as compared to pre intervention values. Pre values were not significantly different between the two treatments, nor were the magnitude of changes at each time interval post intervention. Eccentric contractions performed at slow or fast speed (30 or 150 degrees per second, respectively) elicit similar responses in the magnitude of DOMS, the attenuation of peak torque, the increase in arm circumference, the alteration of range of motion, and the duration of effect.