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European Journal of Applied Physiology

Published in:

28-07-2023 | Original Article

Weekly minimum frequency of one maximal eccentric contraction to increase muscle strength of the elbow flexors

Authors: Riku Yoshida, Kazuki Kasahara, Yuta Murakami, Shigeru Sato, Midori Tanaka, Kazunori Nosaka, Masatoshi Nakamura

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Our previous study showed that one 3-s maximal eccentric contraction a day performed 5 days a week for 4 weeks (5DW) increased maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength of the elbow flexors more than 10%. The present study examined whether muscle strength would still increase when the frequency was reduced to 2 days or 3 days per week.

Methods

Twenty-six healthy young adults were recruited in the present study and placed to two groups (n = 13/group) based on the weekly frequency of the one 3-s maximal eccentric contraction for two (2DW) or three days per week (3DW) for 4 weeks. Changes in MVC-isometric, MVC-concentric, MVC-eccentric torque of the elbow flexors, and muscle thickness of biceps brachii and brachialis (MT) before and after the 4-week training were compared between 2DW and 3DW groups, and also compared to the 5DW group in the previous study.

Results

The 2DW group showed no significant changes in MVC torque. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in MVC-concentric (2.5 ± 10.4%) and MVC-eccentric (3.9 ± 4.9%) torque were observed for the 3DW group, but the magnitude of the increase was smaller (P < 0.05) than that presented by the 5DW group (12.8 ± 9.6%, 12.2 ± 7.8%). No significant changes in MT were evident for any of the groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that at least three days a week are necessary for the one 3-s maximal eccentric contraction to be effective for increasing muscle strength, and more frequent sessions in a week (e.g., 5 days) appear to induce greater increases in muscle strength.

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Title: Weekly minimum frequency of one maximal eccentric contraction to increase muscle strength of the elbow flexors
Authors: Riku Yoshida
Kazuki Kasahara
Yuta Murakami
Shigeru Sato
Midori Tanaka
Kazunori Nosaka
Masatoshi Nakamura
Publication date: 28-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05281-6

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Weekly minimum frequency of one maximal eccentric contraction to increase muscle strength of the elbow flexors

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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