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Related Experiment Video

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Ex Vivo Assessment of Contractility, Fatigability and Alternans in Isolated Skeletal Muscles

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Published on: November 1, 2012

Co-contraction training, muscle explosive force and associated electromyography activity.

Sana Zbidi¹, Badrane Zinoubi², Omar Hammouda²

¹Laboratoire CeRSM (EA 2931), Equipe de Physiologie, Biomécanique et Imagerie du Mouvement, UFR STAPS, Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, Nanterre, France - zinoubi.sana@u-paris10.fr.

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

|September 17, 2016

Summary

Maximal isometric voluntary co-contraction (MIVCC) training improved elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength without negatively impacting explosive strength or increasing co-contraction. This training enhances antagonistic muscle strength safely.

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Area of Science:

Sports Science
Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics

Background:

Maximal isometric voluntary co-contraction (MIVCC) is a training method involving simultaneous contraction of opposing muscle groups.
The effects of MIVCC on maximal and explosive muscle strength require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of a six-week MIVCC program on elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength.
To assess changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), maximal rate of force development (MRFD), and electromyographic (iEMG) activity.

Main Methods:

Ten active men participated in a 6-week MIVCC training program.
Measurements of MVC, MRFD, and iEMG for agonist and antagonist muscles were taken before training and at 4 and 6 weeks.
Submaximal contractions and MIVCC efforts were also analyzed.

Main Results:

Significant increases in MVC for both elbow flexors (13.3%) and extensors (22.5%) were observed.
Agonist muscle iEMG during MVC increased significantly, but antagonist co-contraction remained unchanged.
No significant changes were found in MRFD for either muscle group.

Conclusions:

MIVCC training effectively enhances the strength of antagonistic muscles without compromising explosive force production (MRFD).
The training did not increase co-contraction of antagonist muscles during agonist contractions.
MIVCC may contribute to strength gains observed in activities like bodybuilding posing and is suitable for sports-specific training and rehabilitation.