Knee Extensor and Flexor Torque Development With Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Training

Abstract

This study assessed muscular torque and rate of torque development following concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) isokinetic training. Thirty-eight women were randomly assigned to either CON or ECC training groups. Training consisted of knee extension and flexion of the nondominant leg three times per week for 20 weeks (SD = 1). Eccentric training increased ECC knee extension and flexion peak torque more than CON training. The ECC group improved acceleration time and time to peak torque with ECC movements versus the CON group. Slow-velocity ECC isokinetic training yielded greater ECC and similar CON torque development gains versus CON training over the course of 20 weeks in young women.

Key words:

• exercise
• peak torque
• strength
• women

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Larry E. Miller

The authors wish to thank the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command for their generous support of this project, Grant #DAMD17-00-1-0114. We would also like to thank the graduate and undergraduate students who assisted with isokinetic strength testing and training throughout the study and the participants for their time and efforts. Please address all correspondence concerning this article to Larry E. Miller, 1786 S. Ax Handle Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86001