Eccentric cycling emphasising a low cardiopulmonary demand increases leg strength equivalent to workload matched concentric cycling in middle age sedentary males

Authors

Michael C. Lewis, University of WollongongFollow
Gregory E. Peoples, University of WollongongFollow
Herb Groeller, University of WollongongFollow
Marc A. Brown, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

127665

Publication Details

Lewis, M. C., Peoples, G. E., Groeller, H. & Brown, M. A. (2018). Eccentric cycling emphasising a low cardiopulmonary demand increases leg strength equivalent to workload matched concentric cycling in middle age sedentary males. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21 (12), 1238-1243.

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined if eccentric endurance cycling, eliciting a low cardiovascular demand, could stimulate muscle strength adaptations in sedentary middle-aged males.

Design: Twenty-four middle-aged sedentary males were allocated to concentric (CON) or matched workload eccentric (ECC) cycling (60% peak concentric workload) according to their maximal voluntary isometric quadriceps strength.

Methods: Seventeen participants [42.7 ± 8.3 years, BMI 28.6 ± 5.2, peak oxygen consumption [30.5 ± 5.8 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ ] completed 8 weeks (2 sessions per week) of CON (n = 8) or ECC (n = 9) cycle training. Incline leg press (6RM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque of the quadriceps and peak oxygen consumption were measured at baseline and 8 weeks.

Results: Eccentric cycle training resulted in low cardiovascular demand (CON 154 ± 2; ECC 95 ± 3 b min⁻¹ P < 0.05) and ratings of perceived exertion (CON 14.9 ± 0.3; ECC 9.5 ± 0.3/20 P < 0.05). Peak oxygen consumption improved within the CON group (Baseline 27.4 ± 2.1; 8 weeks: 30.0 ± 1.7 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ P < 0.05) and not within the ECC group (Baseline 33.2 ± 1.5; 8 weeks 33.3 ± 1.6 mL kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ ) following training. 6RM (CON 176 ± 20; ECC 192 ± 11 kg) and MVIC (CON 199 ± 25; ECC 199 ± 25 Nm) strength were equivalent at baseline (P > 0.05). Both groups significantly increased 6RM (CON 13.0 ± 3.0; ECC 10.7 ± 3.2%) and MVIC (CON 12.9 ± 4.3; ECC 18.8 ± 3.0%) relative to their own baseline (P < 0.05). Therefore, improved leg strength was equivalent between CON and ECC groups despite the varied training (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: In sedentary middle age males, eccentric endurance cycling with a low cardiovascular demand, increased both quadriceps isometric and 6RM strength comparable to a matched workload concentric cycling program.