Acute neuromuscular response during eccentric overload protocol by using a mechanical device to increase the load

Authors

  • Marcel B Lanza Loughborough University
  • Antônio E M Pertence Federal University of Minas Gerais
  • André G P Andrade Federal University of Minas Gerais
  • Gustavo H Peixoto Federal University of Minas Gerais
  • Leonardo B Felix Federal University of Viçosa
  • Mauro H Chagas Federal University of Minas Gerais

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2017v19n4p375

Abstract

 

 

The aim of this study was to propose a mechanical device that could increase the mechanical load during the entire eccentric (ECC) action on a knee flexor machine and to compare the muscular activity when the device was used during a testing protocol. Fifteen physically active women were recruited, and they performed two protocols: control and eccentric overload. Control protocol was performed with concentric (CON) and ECC actions with similar load (60% of one repetition maximum) whilst eccentric overload protocol consisted of ECC actions with 40% more load than CON actions. Muscular activation was measured using surface electromyography of the biceps femoris (BF) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles. ECC actions presented a higher muscular activation during eccentric overload protocol than control protocol for BF (p = 0.032), but not for the GM (p = 0.439). The mechanical device increased the mechanical load during the ECC muscle action and consequently increased the amplitude of the neural drive to the BF muscle; however, it did not increase the amplitude of the neural drive to the GM muscle.

Author Biographies

Marcel B Lanza, Loughborough University

Loughborough University

Antônio E M Pertence, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Federal University of Minas Gerais

André G P Andrade, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Federal University of Minas Gerais

Gustavo H Peixoto, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Federal University of Minas Gerais

Leonardo B Felix, Federal University of Viçosa

Federal University of Viçosa

Mauro H Chagas, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Federal University of Minas Gerais

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Published

2017-11-07

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Section

Original Articles