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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-06-2019 | Electromyographic | Original Article

The time course of cross-education during short-term isometric strength training

Authors: Joshua C. Carr, Xin Ye, Matt S. Stock, Michael G. Bemben, Jason M. DeFreitas

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the time course of contralateral adaptations in maximal isometric strength (MVC), rate of force development (RFD), and rate of electromyographic (EMG) rise (RER) during 4 weeks of unilateral isometric strength training with the non-dominant elbow flexors.

Methods

Twenty participants were allocated to strength training (n = 10, three female, two left hand dominant) or control (n = 10, three female, two left hand dominant) groups. Both groups completed testing at baseline and following each week of training to evaluate MVC strength, EMG amplitude, RFD and RER at early (RFD₅₀, RER₅₀) and late (RFD₂₀₀, RER₂₀₀) contraction phases for the dominant ‘untrained’ elbow flexors. The training group completed 11 unilateral isometric training sessions across 4 weeks.

Results

The contralateral improvements for MVC strength (P < 0.01) and RFD₂₀₀ (P = 0.017) were evidenced after 2 weeks, whereas RFD₅₀ (P < 0.01) and RER₅₀ (P = 0.02) showed significant improvements after 3 weeks. Each of the dependent variables was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than baseline values at the end of the training intervention for the trained arm. No changes in any of the variables were observed for the control group (P > 0.10).

Conclusions

Unilateral isometric strength training for 2–3 weeks can produce substantial increases in isometric muscle strength and RFD for both the trained and untrained arms. These data have implications for rehabilitative exercise design and prescription.

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Title: The time course of cross-education during short-term isometric strength training
Authors: Joshua C. Carr
Xin Ye
Matt S. Stock
Michael G. Bemben
Jason M. DeFreitas
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Electromyographic
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04130-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

The time course of cross-education during short-term isometric strength training

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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