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Comparison Between Eccentric vs. Concentric Muscle Actions On Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Leonardo Santos Lopes da Silva1, Leonardo da Silva Gonçalves1, Pedro Henrique Alves Campos2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|December 9, 2024
Summary
Eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) muscle actions yield similar muscle hypertrophy in healthy adults. However, ECC actions may favor upper limb muscles, shorter interventions, and specific assessment methods for greater hypertrophy.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Muscle hypertrophy research has explored eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) muscle actions due to differing physiological mechanisms.
- Previous studies on the hypertrophy outcomes of ECC vs. CON actions have yielded inconclusive results.
Approach:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of ECC vs. CON muscle actions on muscle hypertrophy in healthy adults.
- Searches across major databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus) identified 26 eligible randomized controlled trials (682 subjects).
- Inclusion criteria focused on resistance training, healthy adults, and direct imaging for hypertrophy assessment (cross-sectional area, muscle thickness, or volume).
Key Points:
- The overall meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in hypertrophy between ECC and CON muscle actions.
- Subgroup analyses indicated that ECC actions may favor hypertrophy in upper limb muscles, interventions of ≤8 weeks, muscle thickness assessments, and isokinetic contractions.
- Age and intervention duration (>8 weeks) did not emerge as significant moderators influencing the ECC vs. CON hypertrophy comparison.
Conclusions:
- This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that both eccentric and concentric muscle actions result in comparable muscle hypertrophy in apparently healthy adults.
- Specific conditions, including upper limb focus, shorter intervention periods, muscle thickness as the primary outcome measure, and isokinetic contractions, may offer an advantage to eccentric muscle actions for hypertrophy.
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