Differential effects of exhaustive cycle ergometry on concentric and eccentric torque production

J Sci Med Sport. 2001 Sep;4(3):301-9. doi: 10.1016/s1440-2440(01)80039-6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential differences in peak isokinetic concentric end eccentric torque following low- and high-intensity cycle exercise fatigue protocols. Ten healthy, recreationally-active men were tested in a balanced, randomized testing sequence for peak eccentric and concentric isokinetic torque (60 degrees/sec) immediately before and after three experimental conditions each separated by 48 hours: 1) a bout of high intensity cycling consisting of a maximal 90-second sprint; 2) a bout of low-intensity cycling at 60 rpm equated for total work with the high-intensity protocol: and 3) no exercise (control bout). Blood was drawn from an antecubital vein and plasma lactate concentrations were determined immediately before and after each experimental bout. Post-exercise plasma lactate concentrations were 15.1 +/- 2.5 and 4.7 +/- 1.9 mmol l(-1), respectively, following the high- and low-intensity protocols. The high intensity exercise bout resulted in the only post-exercise decrease in concentric and eccentric isokinetic peak torque. The percent decline in maximal force production was significantly (P< 0.05) greater for concentric muscle actions compared to eccentric (29 vs 15%, respectively). In conclusion, a 90-second maximal cycling sprint results in a significant decline in maximal torque of both concentric and eccentric muscle actions with the greatest magnitude observed during concentric muscle actions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / methods*
  • Humans
  • Knee / physiology
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle Fatigue / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Physical Education and Training / methods
  • Torque*

Substances

  • Lactic Acid