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Central versus peripheral adaptations following eccentric resistance training.
M Pensini1, A Martin, N A Maffiuletti
1Groupe Analyse du Mouvement, UFR STAPS, Université de Bourgogne, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France. Manuela.Pensini@u-bourgogne.fr
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Eccentric training significantly enhanced plantar-flexor muscle torque and voluntary activation. These improvements in neuromuscular properties are primarily linked to central nervous system adaptations rather than peripheral muscle changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuromuscular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Eccentric training is a potent stimulus for muscle adaptation.
- Understanding the specific adaptations, central versus peripheral, is crucial for optimizing training protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 4-week eccentric training program on the neuromuscular properties of plantar-flexor muscles.
- To differentiate between central and peripheral adaptations induced by eccentric training.
Main Methods:
- 14 males were divided into eccentric training and control groups.
- Eccentric training involved 4 weekly sessions of 6 sets of 6 contractions at 120% of one maximal concentric repetition.
- Neuromuscular properties were assessed via torque and electromyography during voluntary and electrically induced contractions before and after training.
Main Results:
- Voluntary torque increased significantly (14-30%) across all action modes in the eccentric group.
- Agonist electromyographic (EMG) activity increased during isometric action, while antagonist coactivation decreased.
- Voluntary activation level improved significantly from 80% to 91%, indicating central adaptation.
Conclusions:
- The observed torque gains are predominantly attributed to central adaptations within the nervous system.
- Eccentric training enhances neuromuscular function through improved agonist drive and reduced antagonist coactivation.
- Peripheral adaptations in twitch contractile properties were observed, but tetanus characteristics remained unchanged, supporting the central adaptation hypothesis.