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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
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Neural adaptations to submaximal isokinetic eccentric strength training.

Simon Barrué-Belou1, David Amarantini1, Philippe Marque1,2

  • 1Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France.

European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 1, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Submaximal eccentric strength training enhanced neural drive in the soleus muscle (SOL), increasing torque during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). This adaptation occurred without altering spinal excitability, as measured by the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex).

Keywords:
Anisometric contractionsH-reflexNeurostimulationSoleus

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Area of Science:

  • Neuromuscular Physiology
  • Exercise Science
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Eccentric strength training is crucial for muscle hypertrophy and force production.
  • Understanding neural adaptations is key to optimizing training protocols.
  • Plantar flexor muscles, particularly the soleus (SOL), play a vital role in locomotion and postural control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate neural adaptations following submaximal isokinetic eccentric strength training of the plantar flexors.
  • To compare the modulation of electromyographic (EMG) activity and spinal excitability in the soleus muscle (SOL).
  • To assess changes during isometric, concentric, and eccentric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) before and after training.

Main Methods:

  • Eighteen healthy subjects were divided into a training (n=8) and control (n=10) group.
  • Training involved 16 sessions of isokinetic eccentric strength training over 8 weeks.
  • Normalized EMG, maximal Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), and compound motor potential were measured for the soleus (SOL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles.

Main Results:

  • Significant increases in SOL torque and normalized EMG were observed during eccentric and isometric MVC post-training.
  • No significant changes in H-reflex or motor potential ratios (Hmax/Mmax, Hsup/Msup) were found for SOL.
  • The H-reflex remained depressed during eccentric actions compared to isometric and concentric actions, with no significant changes in MG EMG.

Conclusions:

  • Submaximal isokinetic eccentric training enhances neural drive to the soleus (SOL) muscle.
  • This enhanced neural drive contributes to increased voluntary torque production.
  • The observed adaptations in neural drive do not appear to involve alterations in the spinal H-reflex pathway.