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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(8): 572-576
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254082
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Eccentric Cycle Ergometry in Alpine Skiers

M. Gross1 , F. Lüthy1 , J. Kroell2 , E. Müller3 , H. Hoppeler1 , M. Vogt1
  • 1Institute for Anatomy, University of Bern, Switzerland
  • 2Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Austria
  • 3Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision March 17, 2010

Publication Date:
12 May 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Eccentric cycling, where the goal is to resist the pedals, which are driven by a motor, increases muscle strength and size in untrained subjects. We hypothesized that it could also be beneficial for athletes, particularly in alpine skiing, which involves predominantly eccentric contractions at longer muscle lengths. We investigated the effects of replacing part of regular weight training with eccentric cycling in junior male alpine skiers using a matched-pair design. Control subjects (n=7) executed 1-h weight sessions 3 times per week, which included 4–5 sets of 4 leg exercises. The eccentric group (n=8) performed only 3 sets, followed by continuous sessions on the eccentric ergometer for the remaining 20 min. After 6 weeks, lean thigh mass increased significantly only in the eccentric group. There was a group×time effect on squat-jump height favouring the eccentric group, which also experienced a 6.5% improvement in countermovement-jump height. The ability to finely modulate muscle force during variable eccentric cycling improved 50% (p=0.004) only in the eccentric group. Although eccentric cycling did not significantly enhance isometric leg strength, we believe it is beneficial for alpine skiers because it provides an efficient means for hypertrophy while closely mimicking the type of muscle actions encountered while skiing.

Key words

strength training - jump performance - hypertrophy

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Correspondence

Micah Gross

Universität Bern

Institut für Anatomie

Baltzerstraße 2, Bern 9

3000 Switzerland

Phone: +41/31/631 84 68

Fax: +41/31/631 38 07

Email: micah.gross@ana.unibe.ch