Torque loss induced by repetitive maximal eccentric contractions is marginally influenced by work-to-rest ratio

The influence of different work-to-rest (W:R) ratios during fatigue induced by maximal eccentric contractions is unknown. The present study sought to expand the understanding of the task-dependent nature of eccentric contractions, and the associated fatigue, during exercise and acute as well as extended recovery periods. Using a Biodex multi-joint dynamometer, the ankle dorsiflexors of eight men [26 (4) years] were fatigued with 150 maximal eccentric contractions. Set structure was manipulated such that one leg performed 3 sets of 50 repetitions (short rest protocol, SRP), and the other leg performed 15 sets of 10 repetitions (long rest protocol, LRP). A 1-min rest interval separated each set, which resulted in 2 and 14 min of total rest for the SRP and the LRP, respectively. At fatigue, the SRP demonstrated a marginally greater loss of average peak eccentric torque than the LRP ( P<0.05). In the acute period following fatigue, isometric peak torque loss and the degree of low-frequency fatigue (LFF) were not recovered ( P<0.05) and were equivalent for both protocols. Significant impairment of both eccentric and isometric torque was persistent and equal for each protocol at 96 h of recovery ( P<0.05). These findings suggest that the W:R ratio has a modest influence on the fatigue (torque loss) induced by maximal eccentric contractions, but maximal isometric torque during recovery and LFF are insensitive to changes in total rest time.