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Neural adaptations underlying cross-education after unilateral strength training

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 4-week (16 sessions) unilateral, maximal isometric strength training on contralateral neural adaptations. Subjects were randomised to a strength training group (TG, n = 15) or to a control group (CG, n = 11). Both legs of both groups were tested for plantar flexion maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs), surface electromyogram (EMG), H-reflexes and V-waves in the soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) superimposed during MVC and normalised by the M-wave (EMG/MSUP, HSUP/MSUP, V/MSUP, respectively), before and after the training period. For the untrained leg, the TG increased compared to the CG for MVC torque (33%, P < 0.01), SOL EMG/MSUP (32%, P < 0.05) and SOL V/MSUP (24%, P < 0.05). For the trained leg, the TG increased compared to the CG for MVC torque (40%, P < 0.01), EMG/MSUP (SOL: 38%, P < 0.05; GM: 60%, P < 0.05) and SOL V/MSUP (72%, P < 0.01). HSUP/MSUP remained unchanged for both limbs. No changes occurred in the CG. These results reinforce the concept that enhanced neural drive to the contralateral agonist muscles contributes to cross-education of strength.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to the subjects who took part in the study. We thank the reviewers for helpful suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Circulation and Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7489, Trondheim, Norway

    Marius S. Fimland, Jan Helgerud, Gerd Marie Solstad, Vegard Moe Iversen & Jan Hoff

  2. Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway

    Marius S. Fimland

  3. Hokksund Medical Rehabilitation Center, Hokksund, Norway

    Jan Helgerud

  4. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway

    Gunnar Leivseth & Jan Hoff

  5. National Center of Comprehensive Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway

    Gunnar Leivseth

Authors
  1. Marius S. Fimland
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  2. Jan Helgerud
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  3. Gerd Marie Solstad
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  4. Vegard Moe Iversen
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  5. Gunnar Leivseth
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  6. Jan Hoff
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Correspondence to Marius S. Fimland.

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Fimland, M.S., Helgerud, J., Solstad, G.M. et al. Neural adaptations underlying cross-education after unilateral strength training. Eur J Appl Physiol 107, 723–730 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1190-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-009-1190-7

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