Effects of Eccentric Exercise on Muscle Architecture in Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effects of eccentric training on muscle architecture in the adult population. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were followed using keywords associated with architecture muscular and eccentric training. Four databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A total of 1260 articles were retrieved, 18 included in this review. The parameters most frequently evaluated in the studies consulted were pennation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL), and muscle thickness (MT). These were assessed mainly in lower limb muscles such as biceps femoris long head (BFlh), vastus lateralis (VL), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG), respectively. Eccentric training for at least four weeks generates adaptations in these parameters, mainly by increasing MT with FL and decreasing PA, determining muscle function. These results provide evidence on the effects of eccentric training on muscle architecture, which could be helpful to prevent injuries and favor muscle recovery processes.

Effect of sit-to-stand-based training on muscle quality in sedentary adults: a randomized controlled trial

“…Previous studies found an increase in PA in response to concentric contraction training ( Franchi et al, 2017 ) and a reduction in FL in response to concentric exercise interventions ( Timmins et al, 2016 ), which is opposite to what occurs in eccentric interventions ( Alonso-Fernandez et al, 2020 ). However, all of these studies used more demanding exercise doses and higher volumes ( Lizama-Pérez et al, 2022 ). The increase in PA and slight decrease in FL in this study could be explained by the type of exercise used, as we considered STS to behave as a concentric loading exercise for the VL because of the need to overcome gravity during knee extension, acting mostly with a concentric component ( Frykberg & Ha, 2015 ; Franchi et al, 2017 ; Lizama-Pérez et al, 2022 ).…”

“…However, all of these studies used more demanding exercise doses and higher volumes ( Lizama-Pérez et al, 2022 ). The increase in PA and slight decrease in FL in this study could be explained by the type of exercise used, as we considered STS to behave as a concentric loading exercise for the VL because of the need to overcome gravity during knee extension, acting mostly with a concentric component ( Frykberg & Ha, 2015 ; Franchi et al, 2017 ; Lizama-Pérez et al, 2022 ). PA is considered an essential factor in force production ( Lieber & Ward, 2011 ; Narici, Franchi & Maganaris, 2016 ), possibly by allowing a greater number of contractile fibers in the aponeurosis area ( Blazevich & Sharp, 2005 ).…”