Eccentric cycling emphasising a low cardiopulmonary demand increases leg strength equivalent to workload matched concentric cycling in middle age sedentary males.

OBJECTIVES: This study determined if eccentric endurance cycling, eliciting a low cardiovascular demand, could stimulate muscle strength adaptations in sedentary middle-aged males.
DESIGN: Twenty-four middle-aged sedentary males were allocated to concentric (CON) or matched workload eccentric (ECC) cycling (60% peak concentric workload) according to their maximal voluntary isometric quadriceps strength.
METHODS: Seventeen participants [42.7±8.3 years, BMI 28.6±5.2, peak oxygen consumption [30.5±5.8mLkg-1min-1] completed 8 weeks (2 sessions per week) of CON (n=8) or ECC (n=9) cycle training. Incline leg press (6RM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque of the quadriceps and peak oxygen consumption were measured at baseline and 8 weeks.
RESULTS: Eccentric cycle training resulted in low cardiovascular demand (CON 154±2; ECC 95±3bmin-1P<0.05) and ratings of perceived exertion (CON 14.9±0.3; ECC 9.5±0.3/20 P<0.05). Peak oxygen consumption improved within the CON group (Baseline 27.4±2.1; 8 weeks: 30.0±1.7mLkg-1min-1P<0.05) and not within the ECC group (Baseline 33.2±1.5; 8 weeks 33.3±1.6mLkg-1min-1) following training. 6RM (CON 176±20; ECC 192±11kg) and MVIC (CON 199±25; ECC 199±25Nm) strength were equivalent at baseline (P>0.05). Both groups significantly increased 6RM (CON 13.0±3.0; ECC 10.7±3.2%) and MVIC (CON 12.9±4.3; ECC 18.8±3.0%) relative to their own baseline (P<0.05). Therefore, improved leg strength was equivalent between CON and ECC groups despite the varied training (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: In sedentary middle age males, eccentric endurance cycling with a low cardiovascular demand, increased both quadriceps isometric and 6RM strength comparable to a matched workload concentric cycling program.