Accentuated Eccentric Loading for Training and Performance: A Review

Overview

Journal Sports Med

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2017 Jul 7

PMID 28681170

Citations 38

Authors

John P Wagle

Christopher B Taber

Aaron J Cunanan

Garett E Bingham

Kevin M Carroll

Brad H DeWeese

Kimitake Sato

Michael H Stone

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) prescribes eccentric load magnitude in excess of the concentric prescription using movements that require coupled eccentric and concentric actions, with minimal interruption to natural mechanics. This method has been theorized to potentiate concentric performance through higher eccentric loading and, thus, higher concentric force production. There is also evidence for favorable chronic adaptations, namely shifts to faster myosin heavy chain isoforms and changes in IIx-specific muscle cross-sectional area. However, research concerning the acute and chronic responses to AEL is inconclusive, likely due to inconsistencies in subjects, exercise selection, load prescription, and method of providing AEL. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize: (1) the magnitudes and methods of AEL application; (2) the acute and chronic implications of AEL as a means to enhance force production; (3) the potential mechanisms by which AEL enhances acute and chronic performance; and (4) the limitations of current research and the potential for future study.

Citing Articles

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Increased force and elastic energy storage are not the mechanisms that improve jump performance with accentuated eccentric loading during a constrained vertical jump.

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