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Effects of isometric training on the knee extensor moment–angle relationship and vastus lateralis muscle architecture

European Journal of Applied Physiology volume 114, pages 2437–2446 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

To analyse the muscle adaptations induced by two protocols of isometric training performed at different muscle lengths.

Methods

Twenty-eight subjects were divided into three groups: one (K90) performed isometric training of the knee extensors at long muscle lengths (90° of knee flexion) for 8 weeks, and the second group (K50) at short muscle lengths (50°). The subjects of the third group acted as controls. Isokinetic dynamometry was utilized to analyse the net moment–angle relationship and vastus lateralis muscle thickness at three different locations, and pennation angles and fascicle length at 50 % of thigh length were measured at rest with ultrasonography.

Results

Only subjects from K90 group showed significant increases in isokinetic strength (23.5 %, P < 0.001), while K50 group showed no increases in isokinetic strength: (10 %, P > 0.05). There was a shift in the angle of peak torque of the K90 group to longer muscle lengths (+14.6 %, P = 0.002) with greater increases in isokinetic strength, while the K50 angle shifted to shorter muscle lengths (−7.3 %, P = 0.039). Both training groups showed significant increases in muscle thickness, (K90 9–14 % vs. K50 5–9 %) but only K90 significantly increased their pennation angles (11.7 %, P = 0.038). Fascicle lengths remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Isometric training at specific knee angles led to significant shifts of peak torque in the direction of the training muscle lengths. The greater strength gains and the architectural changes with training at long muscle lengths probably come from a combination of different factors, such as the different mechanical stresses placed upon the muscle–tendon complex.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BF:

Biceps femoris long head

CV:

Coefficient of variation

ES:

Effect size

EMG:

Electromyography

KE:

Knee extensors

MT:

Muscle thickness

RMS:

Root mean square

ROM:

Range of movement

VL:

Vastus lateralis

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by research funds from the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (project PII1I09-0192-6593).

Conflict of interest

No conflicts of interest are declared by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human and Sports Biomechanics Research Group, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain

    Luis M. Alegre, Asunción Ferri-Morales, Raúl Rodriguez-Casares & Xavier Aguado

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain

    Asunción Ferri-Morales

Authors
  1. Luis M. Alegre
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  2. Asunción Ferri-Morales
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  3. Raúl Rodriguez-Casares
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  4. Xavier Aguado
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luis M. Alegre.

Additional information

Communicated by Olivier Seynnes.

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Alegre, L.M., Ferri-Morales, A., Rodriguez-Casares, R. et al. Effects of isometric training on the knee extensor moment–angle relationship and vastus lateralis muscle architecture. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 2437–2446 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2967-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2967-x

Keywords

  • Fascicle length
  • Pennation angle
  • Quadriceps femoris
  • Length–tension relationship
  • Hypertrophy