Comparing Two Eccentric Protocols on Muscle Damage

A Novel Eccentric Resistance Training Strategy to Maximize Exercise Induced Muscle Damage in Young Adults

The purpose of this study will be to test whether a new way of weight training is more effective than typical weight training. The investigators expect that this new way will cause more exercise-induced muscle damage, which helps people build bigger muscles. Another purpose of this study will be to explore perceptions of how muscle soreness impacts participant activities of daily living.

Participants will come to the lab for 3 sessions, plus two email follow-up questionnaires.

Session 1 (45 minutes)

• Complete a demographic questionnaire
• Self-assess muscle soreness
• Walk on the treadmill to warm-up
• Maximal voluntary contraction on the chest press
• Two sets of eccentric (lowering) bench press at 75% of max

Session 2 (45 minutes)

• Walk on the treadmill to warm up
• Maximal voluntary contraction on the chest press
• Three sets of 10 eccentric contractions at 75% of max
• Repeat the maximal voluntary contraction on the chest press

Session 2 Follow-up Rate muscle soreness for each of the three days following Session 2 Answer open-ended questions about perceptions of the muscle soreness

Session 3 (45 minutes) Walk on the treadmill to warm up Maximal voluntary contraction on the chest press Three sets of 10 eccentric contractions at 75% of max Repeat the maximal voluntary contraction on the chest press

Session 3 Follow-up Rate muscle soreness for each of the three days following Session 2 Answer open-ended questions about perceptions of the muscle soreness

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sixteen young adults (ages 18-35) will be enrolled in this study.
• In order to be enrolled, they must have completed at least three months of resistance training in the past five years in order to minimize the learning effect and chance of injury.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Since regular resistance training reduces the primary outcomes, muscle damage and soreness, individuals who currently participate in chest press resistance training at least once per week will be excluded.
• Individuals who have musculoskeletal injuries in the shoulder, elbow or wrist that preclude pain-free resistance training, or who have underlying uncontrolled cardiovascular complications will also be excluded.
• Women who are pregnant, or may consider becoming pregnant over the subsequent 2 months, will be excluded