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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

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Published on: May 1, 2018
Eccentric-Only Versus Concentric-Only Isokinetic Strength Training Effects on Maximal Voluntary Eccentric, Concentric
Darjan Spudić1, Kazunori Nosaka2
1Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova 22, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. darjan.spudic@fsp.uni-lj.si.
Eccentric-only strength training significantly boosts maximal voluntary eccentric (MVCECC) strength more than concentric-only training. However, both training types yield similar improvements in maximal voluntary concentric (MVCCON) and isometric (MVCISO) strength.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Conflicting research exists on the impact of eccentric versus concentric resistance training on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength.
- Understanding the differential effects of eccentric-only and concentric-only training is crucial for optimizing strength development protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare the effectiveness of maximal isokinetic eccentric-only and concentric-only strength training.
- To analyze changes in maximal voluntary eccentric (MVCECC), concentric (MVCCON), and isometric (MVCISO) strength in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2024.
- Included studies utilized isokinetic dynamometry for training and testing in healthy adults.
- Meta-analyses were conducted using multilevel random-effects models, with subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore moderators.
Main Results:
- Eccentric-only training demonstrated significantly greater improvements in MVCECC compared to concentric-only training (Hedges' g: 1.51).
- No significant differences were observed between eccentric-only and concentric-only training for changes in MVCCON (Hedges' g: -0.10) and MVCISO (Hedges' g: -0.04).
- Subgroup analyses indicated a smaller effect of eccentric-only training on MVCCON when performed at higher velocities than testing velocities.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric-only strength training is superior for enhancing MVCECC.
- Both eccentric-only and concentric-only training result in comparable improvements in MVCCON and MVCISO.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind the superior effects of eccentric-only training on MVCECC.
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