Four weeks of augmented eccentric loading using a novel leg press device improved leg strength in well-trained athletes and professional sprint track cyclists

Harden, ME; Wolf, A; Evans, M; Hicks, KM; Thomas, K; Howatson, G

Abstract

This study assessed the efficacy of strength training using augmented eccentric loading to provoke increases in leg strength in well-trained athletes, and sprint track cyclists, using a novel leg press device. Twelve well-trained athletes were randomly allocated traditional resistance training (TRAD, n = 6), or resistance training using augmented eccentric loading (AEL, n = 6). A further 5 full-time, professional sprint track cyclists from a senior national squad programme also trained with augmented eccentric loading (AEL-ATH) alongside their usual sport-specific training. Participants completed four weeks of twice-weekly resistance training using the leg press exercise. In TRAD the lowering phase of the lift was set relative to concentric strength. In AEL and AEL-ATH the lowering phase was individualised to eccentric strength. Concentric, eccentric, isometric and coupled eccentric-concentric leg press strength, and back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM), were assessed pre- and post-training. The AEL and AEL-ATH groups performed the eccentric phase with an average 26 ± 4% greater load across the programme. All groups experienced increases in concentric (5%, 7% and 3% for TRAD, AEL & AEL-ATH respectively), eccentric (7%, 11% and 6% for TRAD, AEL & AEL-ATH respectively), and squat 1RM (all p < 0.05), where the AEL-ATH group experienced relatively greater increases (13% vs. 5% in TRAD and AEL, p < 0.01). The TRAD and AEL groups also increased isometric strength (p < 0.05). A four-week period of augmented eccentric loading increased leg strength in well-trained athletes and track cyclists. The eccentric leg press stimulus was well-tolerated, supporting the inclusion of such training in the preparation programmes of athletes.

Citation

Harden, M., Wolf, A., Evans, M., Hicks, K., Thomas, K., & Howatson, G. (2020). Four weeks of augmented eccentric loading using a novel leg press device improved leg strength in well-trained athletes and professional sprint track cyclists. PLoS ONE, 15(7), e0236663. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236663

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 10, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jul 29, 2020
• Publication Date: Jul 29, 2020
• Deposit Date: Aug 4, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 4, 2020
• Journal: PLOS ONE
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 7
• Pages: e0236663
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236663
• Keywords: Research Article, Medicine and health sciences, Biology and life sciences, Physical sciences, Social sciences
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236663
• Related Public URLs: http://www.plosone.org/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ** From PLOS via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for this article: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **Journal IDs: eissn 1932-6203 **Article IDs: publisher-id: pone-d-20-12765 **History: published_online 29-07-2020; accepted 10-07-2020; submitted 01-05-2020; collection 2020