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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Nov 1;36(11):3023-3031.
doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004039. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

Including the Eccentric Phase in Resistance Training to Counteract the Effects of Detraining in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Giuseppe Coratella  1 , Marco Beato  2 , Luciano Bertinato  3 , Chiara Milanese  3 , Massimo Venturelli  3 , Federico Schena  3   4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Including the Eccentric Phase in Resistance Training to Counteract the Effects of Detraining in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Giuseppe Coratella et al. J Strength Cond Res. .

Abstract

Coratella, G, Beato, M, Bertinato, L, Milanese, C, Venturelli, M, and Schena, F. Including the eccentric phase in resistance training to counteract the effects of detraining in women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3023-3031, 2022-The current study compared the effects of concentric-based (CONC), eccentric-based (ECC), and traditional concentric-eccentric (TRAD) resistance training on muscle strength, mass, and architecture and the postdetraining retention of the training-induced effects in women. Sixty women were randomly assigned to unilateral volume-equated CONC, ECC, or TRAD knee extension training or control ( N = 15 per group). Before training, after an 8-week intervention period, and after an 8-week detraining period, isokinetic concentric, eccentric, and isometric torque were measured. In addition, thigh lean mass was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry and vastus lateralis thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length by ultrasound. After training, concentric and isometric torque increased ( p < 0.05) similarly in all groups, whereas eccentric torque increased more in ECC than that in CONC (+13.1%, effect size (ES): 0.71 [0.04-1.38]) and TRAD (+12.6%, ES: 0.60 [0.12-1.08]). Thigh lean mass increased in ECC (+6.1%, ES: 0.47 [0.27-0.67]) and TRAD (+3.1%, ES: 0.33 [0.01-0.65]). Vastus lateralis thickness and pennation angle increased ( p < 0.05) similarly in all groups, whereas fascicle elongation was visible in ECC (+9.7%, ES: 0.92 [0.14-1.65]) and TRAD (+7.1%, ES: 0.64 [0.03-1.25]). After detraining, all groups retained ( p < 0.05) similar concentric torque. ECC and TRAD preserved eccentric torque ( p < 0.05), but ECC more than TRAD (+17.9%, ES: 0.61 [0.21-1.21]). All groups preserved isometric torque ( p < 0.05), but ECC more than CONC (+14.2%, ES: 0.71 [0.04-1.38]) and TRAD (+13.8%, ES: 0.65 [0.10-1.20]). Thigh lean mass and vastus lateralis fascicle length were retained only in ECC ( p < 0.05), pennation angle was preserved in all groups ( p < 0.05), and thickness was retained in CONC and ECC ( p < 0.05). Including the eccentric phase in resistance training is essential to preserve adaptations after detraining.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study design.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
A typical ultrasound scan.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Time course of concentric, eccentric, and isometric peak torque is shown for each group. a: p < 0.05 vs. pre. *p < 0.05 vs. CTRL. #p < 0.05 vs. CONC. §p < 0.05 vs. TRAD. CONC = concentric-only training; ECC = eccentric-only training; TRAD = traditional concentric-eccentric training; CTRL = control group.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Time course of thigh lean mass and vastus lateralis thickness is shown for each group. a: p < 0.05 vs. pre. *p < 0.05 vs. CTRL. #p < 0.05 vs. CONC. §p < 0.05 vs. TRAD. CONC = concentric-only training; ECC = eccentric-only training; TRAD = traditional concentric-eccentric training; CTRL = control group.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Time course of vastus lateralis pennation angle and fascicle length is shown for each group. a: p < 0.05 vs. pre. *p < 0.05 vs. CTRL. #p < 0.05 vs. CONC. §p < 0.05 vs. TRAD. CONC = concentric-only training; ECC = eccentric-only training; TRAD = traditional concentric-eccentric training; CTRL = control group.
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