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Effects of eccentric strength training on biceps femoris muscle architecture and knee joint range of movement

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Abstract

The aim was to determine whether eccentric strengthening changed the muscle architecture of human biceps femoris and consequently, knee range of motion. Twenty-two subjects were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group completed an eccentric strengthening programme for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included hamstring muscle strength (one repetition maximum), the passive knee extension test (PKE) (knee joint angle at which the onset of passive tension occurs), fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA). One repetition maximum increased by 34% (P < 0.01), the PKE test revealed a 5% increase in joint range of motion (P = 0.01), FL increased by 34% (P = 0.01) and PA did not change (P = 0.38). This is the first report of an increase in FL in the biceps femoris following eccentric resistance training. In addition, the results might imply that this fascicle lengthening could lead to an increase in the range of motion of the knee. Clinical implications for rehabilitation and injury prevention are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the assistance of Drs. A. McGregor, M. Seymour and M. Hickson from Imperial College London and Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust for their specialist advice and training.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Department of Physiotherapy, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, London, W6 8RF, UK

    Tara G. Potier & Caroline M. Alexander

  2. Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health, Manchester Metropolitan University, Hassall Road, Alsager, ST7 2HL, UK

    Olivier R. Seynnes

  3. Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK

    Tara G. Potier

Authors
  1. Tara G. Potier
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  2. Caroline M. Alexander
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  3. Olivier R. Seynnes
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Correspondence to Tara G. Potier.

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Potier, T.G., Alexander, C.M. & Seynnes, O.R. Effects of eccentric strength training on biceps femoris muscle architecture and knee joint range of movement. Eur J Appl Physiol 105, 939–944 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0980-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0980-7

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