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Isokinetic eccentric resistance training prevents loss in mechanical muscle function after running

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to verify whether 8 weeks of resistance training employing maximal isokinetic eccentric (IERT) knee extensor actions would reduce the acute force loss observed after high-intensity treadmill running exercise. It was hypothesized that specific IERT would induce protective effects against muscle fatigue and ultrastructural damages, preventing or reducing the loss in mechanical muscle function after running. Subjects were tested before and after IERT protocol for maximal isometric, concentric and eccentric isokinetic knee extensor strength (60° and 180° s−1). In a second session, subjects performed treadmill running (~35 min) and the previously mentioned measurements were repeated immediately after running. Subsequently, subjects were randomized to training (n = 12) consisting of 24 sessions of maximal IERT knee extensors actions at 180° s−1, or served as controls (n = 8). The effects of acute running-induced fatigue and training on isokinetic and isometric peak torque, and rate of force development (RFD) were investigated. Before IERT, running-induced eccentric torque loss at 180° s−1 was −8 %, and RFD loss was −11 %. Longitudinal IERT led to reduced or absent acute running-induced losses in maximal IERT torque at 180° s−1 (+2 %), being significantly reduced compared to before IERT (p < 0.05), however, RFD loss remained at −11 % (p > 0.05). In conclusion, IERT yields a reduced strength loss after high-intensity running workouts, which may suggest a protective effect against fatigue and/or morphological damages. However, IERT may not avoid reductions in explosive muscle actions. In turn, this may allow more intense training sessions to be performed, facilitating the adaptive response to running training.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank FAPESP and CNPq for financial support.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Performance Laboratory, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Av. 24 A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, CEP-13506-900, Brazil

    Anderson Souza Oliveira, Fabrizio Caputo, Rogério Bulhões Corvino & Benedito Sergio Denadai

  2. Center for Health and Sport Science, Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

    Fabrizio Caputo & Rogério Bulhões Corvino

  3. Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    Anderson Souza Oliveira

  4. Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Per Aagaard

  5. Biomechanics Laboratory, São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

    Mauro Gonçalves

Authors
  1. Anderson Souza Oliveira
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  2. Fabrizio Caputo
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  3. Per Aagaard
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  4. Rogério Bulhões Corvino
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  5. Mauro Gonçalves
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  6. Benedito Sergio Denadai
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Correspondence to Benedito Sergio Denadai.

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Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

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Oliveira, A.S., Caputo, F., Aagaard, P. et al. Isokinetic eccentric resistance training prevents loss in mechanical muscle function after running. Eur J Appl Physiol 113, 2301–2311 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2660-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2660-5

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