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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Isometric and Eccentric Force Generation Assessment of Skeletal Muscles Isolated from Murine Models of Muscular Dystrophies
Published on: January 31, 2013
Changes in power and force generation during coupled eccentric-concentric versus concentric muscle contraction with
Paolo Caserotti1, Per Aagaard, Lis Puggaard
1Centre of Applied and Clinical Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark. pcaserotti@health.sdu.dk
Multicomponent exercise training improved muscle power and functional performance in elderly males, counteracting age-related decline. This training enhanced maximal muscle power (Ppeak) and jump height (JH) in the countermovement jump (CMJ).
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics of Human Movement
Background:
- Age-related decline in muscle power is linked to frailty and functional impairments in older adults.
- Eccentric contractions (pre-stretching) can enhance muscle output, but this effect diminishes with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in muscle power, force, and movement patterns during concentric-alone versus eccentric-concentric contractions in elderly males.
- To evaluate the effects of a 36-week multicomponent training program on muscle power and functional performance.
Main Methods:
- Elderly males performed squatting jumps (SQJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) to assess muscle power, force, and movement patterns.
- Measurements included vertical force, excursion, velocity, power (Ppeak, Pmean), and acceleration of the body's center of mass.
- A 36-week multicomponent training program (aerobic, strength, balance, flexibility, coordination) was implemented, with a control group.
Main Results:
- Pre-stretch enhancement in CMJ did not improve peak power (Ppeak) or jump height (JH) compared to SQJ in elderly males.
- Despite similar maximal performance, CMJ involved lower mechanical work and shorter concentric phase duration compared to SQJ.
- The training group showed significant increases in CMJ Ppeak, Pmean, and JH post-training, while the control group showed decreases.
Conclusions:
- Long-term multicomponent training effectively counteracted age-related declines in muscle power and functional performance in elderly males.
- Training led to substantial gains in muscular performance, highlighting its importance for maintaining function in aging populations.
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