Effect of two types of muscle contraction training on muscle thickness, strength, and delayed onset of muscle soreness in persons with chronic stroke

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eccentric contraction training (ECT) and concentric contraction training (CCT) on the muscle thickness (MT), muscle strength (MS) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) of the lower extremities in persons with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty persons with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to the ECT or the CCT group. The ECT was performed in a specially designed system of eccentric contraction of both legs and, the CCT was performed using a traditional stepper system for concentric contraction of both legs. The training was performed for 30 min/times, 3 times/wk for 6 weeks. Rehabilitation ultrasound imaging was used to measure MT of the vastus medialis/lateralis (VL), and soleus (SOL), a digital muscle tester was used to measure MS, and a visual analog scale was used to assess DOMS. Results: In the ECT group, MT was significantly improved except for SOL resting (p<0.01). In the CCT group, the MT was significantly improved except for VL contraction (p<0.05). The MS was significantly improved in both groups, especially in the ECT group (p<0.01). In the ECT group, muscle soreness was highest in the first week after training but gradually decreased, and in the CCT group, it was highest in the second week of training but gradually decreased (p<0.01). Conclusions: ECT can improve lower limb MT, MS, and DOMS of chronic stroke survivors. Therefore, it is recommended that ECT be used in the rehabilitation of persons with chronic stroke.

Potential Benefits of a Minimal Dose Eccentric Resistance Training Paradigm to Combat Sarcopenia and Age-Related Muscle and Physical Function Deficits in Older Adults

“…Exercise session durations for multi-joint eccentric training have varied considerably within the broad (all adult ages) literature from a more minimal dose (e.g., three/min sessions) ( Gordon et al, 2019 ; Crane et al, 2020 ) up to 30 min/sessions ( Dibble et al, 2006 ; Suh et al, 2017 ; Lim and Lee, 2018 ; Kim et al, 2019 ). While a three/min exercise session may represent a minimal training approach, this previous work was conducted in young adults ( Gordon et al, 2019 ; Crane et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Commonly investigated training frequencies in eccentric training studies vary from two ( Johnson et al, 2018 , 2019 ; Kim et al, 2019 ; Kay et al, 2020 ; Kumar, 2021 ) and three exercise sessions per week ( Dibble et al, 2006 ; Jacobs et al, 2014 ; Tanner et al, 2015 ; Lim and Lee, 2018 ; Reidy et al, 2018 ), with ( Byrne et al, 2016 ) reporting that, “a frequency of twice weekly can produce significant improvements in power and physical function. A compelling case for lower training session frequency is that a “less is more” exercise session frequency was found to be much more preferred among older adults ( Foley et al, 2011 ).…”

“…A compelling case for lower training session frequency is that a “less is more” exercise session frequency was found to be much more preferred among older adults ( Foley et al, 2011 ). For instance, although training 3 days/week has been a commonly used frequency in a multitude of training studies ( LaStayo et al, 2003 , 2011 , 2017 ; Dibble et al, 2006 ; Jacobs et al, 2014 ; Tanner et al, 2015 ; Lim and Lee, 2018 ; Reidy et al, 2018 ), only 1% of older adults prefer exercise training 3 days/week ( Foley et al, 2011 ). In young adults, ( Crane et al, 2020 ) compared 1 day/week versus 3 days/week with an equalized workload on a multi-joint eccentric training routine and found that there was no statistical advantage on the improvements for the three versus 1 day/week training condition.…”

Transfer Effects of a Multiple-Joint Isokinetic Eccentric Resistance Training Intervention to Nontraining-Specific Traditional Muscle Strength Measures

“…Investigations examining eccentric training utilizing multiple-joint movements have increased in recent years [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Unfortunately, research on isokinetic eccentric-only multiple-joint training in the context of specificity is relatively sparse.…”

Effect of applying resistance in various directions on lower extremity muscle activity and balance during squat exercise

“…Closed kinetic chain squat exercise is a type of resistance exercise that usesmultiple joints at the same time [6]. This type of closed-chain exercise is effective and safe because it provides joint stability through co-contraction of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and provides less stress to the knee joints [7,8]. Establishing a proper quadriceps to hamstring ratio throughout the squat movement plays an important role in preventing knee injury by increasing the stability of the knee joint and reducing stress placed onto the joint [9].…”