Differences between concentric and eccentric resistance exercise in increasing muscle mass and strength

• Main Author: Teo, Edwin Yu Qin
• Other Authors: Thor, Dianna
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66439
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare and examine the differences between eccentric and concentric resistance training in increasing muscle mass and strength, as well as to ascertain the more effective type of training. Method: 15 recreationally active university female subjects participated in a randomized and within-groups crossover design that consisted of 1 familiarization session, 2 testing sessions and 12 training sessions of either concentric or eccentric resistance training or control condition. Each training session was separated by at least 48hrs and held twice weekly. Testing sessions consisted of measurements of concentric peak torque values from an isokinetic dynamometer and 1 repetition max test, and lean muscle mass values from DEXA scanning. It was hypothesized that there will be a positive effect on MVC, 1RM and lean muscle mass values from resistance training, regardless of concentric or eccentric training. Results: Eccentric training lead to a higher increase in 1RM values as compared to concentric training. Concentric training on the other hand leads to a higher increase in MVC. There were no significant differences on lean muscle mass values. However, there is statistical significance between pretest and posttest results. Conclusion: Resistance training increases muscular strength, and a training period of 6 weeks is long enough to elicit a significant difference. Specificity of training is a key factor in when implementing similar studies.