A comparison of hypertrophy, strength and power changes between eccentric isotonic and eccentric isokinetic leg training

Abstract

The effects of 6 week eccentric isotonic and eccentric isokinetic training programs on hypertrophy, strength and power development in the quadriceps were compared. Male Ss (N=22) participated including 7 training isotonically (T), 7 training isokinetically (K), and 8 control subjects performing no resistance leg training (C). Ss performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with an additional set on Friday to systematically adjust work load. No group significantly increased thigh girth or body weight. Both groups exhibited carryover of concentric strength from eccentric training in certain tests. (T) improved significantly over (C) in isotonic concentric one repetition maximum, 5 second isometric, and both Margaria Kalaman power tests. (T) improved significantly over (K) in the concentric isotonic one repetition maximum as well. (K) improved significantly over (C) in average concentric peak torque (170�/second) and in the Margaria Kalaman power test at 6 meters. Both groups exhibited carryover of strength when tested at fast speeds from slow speed training programs (60�/second). (T) improved significantly over (C) in average eccentric peak torque (170�/second) and the Margaria Kalaman tests of power. (K) significantly improved over (C) in average concentric peak torque (170�/second), eccentric total work (170�/second) and the Margaria Kalaman power test at 6 meters. Both groups significantly improved over (C) in eccentric isotonic one repetition maximums. Only (K) significantly increased average eccentric peak torque at 60� /second over (C).