Submaximal loading as a feasible alternative to supramaximal loading in accentuated eccentric loading during the...

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of supramaximal and submaximal accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on lower-body function and hypertrophy during a short-term basic strength block.

Twenty-two trained male students (20.64 ± 1.92 years, 177.07 ± 4.17 cm, 73.08 ± 4.44 kg) were assigned to two experimental groups based on baseline strength: the supramaximal loading group (SUPRA, 120%/70% one repetition maximum [1RM], n = 11) and the submaximal loading group (SUB, 95%/70% 1RM, n = 11), both groups applying eccentric overload during each repetition. Both groups trained twice weekly for 4 weeks (3 sets × 5 reps). The pre- and post-tests included rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), countermovement jump height (CMJH), back squat 1RM, and 50% 1RM squat failure volume load (SFVL).

A statistically significant main effect of time was observed for all variables (P < 0.05), but no statistically significant group × time interaction effects were found for any variable (P > 0.05). Both the SUPRA and SUB showed no statistically significant improvements in RFCSA, with trivial changes observed (P > 0.05, Hedges' g = 0.13 and 0.10, respectively). Both the SUPRA and SUB showed statistically significant improvements in CMJH, 1RM, and SFVL (P < 0.05), with similar changes in CMJH (Hedges' g = 0.31 and 0.22, respectively) and 1RM (Hedges' g = 0.46 and 0.38, respectively). In SFVL, the SUPRA showed slightly greater improvements than the SUB (Hedges' g = 0.43 and 0.19, respectively).

The results indicate that AEL training is effective in short-term training, with supramaximal and submaximal AEL producing similar improvements in outcomes. Therefore, submaximal AEL can serve as a feasible alternative to supramaximal AEL for physically active and healthy practitioners in a short-term basic strength block.