Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate how the relationship between resistance training-induced hypertrophy, strength, and passive contractile adaptations is affected by contraction duration. Twenty university students (11 males) were randomly assigned to either the fast eccentric/fast concentric phase group (F/F; 1 s both phases) or the slow eccentric/fast concentric phase group (S/F; 4 s and 1 s, respectively). Both experimental groups completed a 7-week biceps curl training programme with a total of 14 sessions (2 days/week). Elbow flexor muscle thickness (MT), one-repetition maximum (1RM), and tensiomyographic (TMG) parameters (radial displacement—Dm and contraction time—Tc) were assessed. The percentage change (∆) in MT correlated significantly with the ∆1RM only in the S/F group (r = 0.712, p < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant negative associations between ∆MT and ∆Dm (r = 0.717–0.760, p < 0.01). Conversely, no significance was found between ∆MT and ∆Tc (F/F: r = -0.398, p = 0.255; S/F: r = 0.410, p = 0.239), ∆1RM and ∆Tc (F/F: r = -0.278, p = 0.436; S/F: r = 0.223, p = 0.536), nor ∆1RM and ∆Dm (F/F: r = − 0.131, p = 0.719; S/F: r = − 0.351, p = 0.320). The main findings indicate that the relationship between hypertrophy and strength gains is significantly stronger when resistance training was paced with slower eccentric contractions comparing to fast ones. On the other hand, reduced Dm values indicate increase in MT regardless of contraction duration, while strength gains are not correlated with corresponding TMG changes.
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FK designed the study and wrote the initial draft of the manuscript, with input from VI and SĐ. RA performed data analysis and assisted in the preparation of the manuscript. FK and VI designed and coordinated data collection and contributed to interpretation of data. FK and SĐ critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.
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Communicated by Philip D. Chilibeck.
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Kojić, F., Arsenijević, R., Ilić, V. et al. Relationship between hypertrophy, strength gains and tensiomyography adaptations: a moderator role of contraction duration. Eur J Appl Physiol 122, 2223–2231 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04998-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04998-0