The Effect of Different Types of Strength Training on Concentric Strength in Women

The effects of 4 types of resistance strength training on concentric strength and thigh girth in young women were compared. The 4 treatment groups were concentric-only (Conc, n = 12), eccentric-only (Eccn, n = 10), conventional (Conv, n = 8), and supramaximal eccentric training (SmET, n = 8). Another group of subjects did not train and served as controls (n = 10). Subjects trained on a knee extension Schnell machine twice weekly for 8 weeks, performing 3 sets of 10 reps with a starting load of 65% of 1-RM. The load was increased by 5% every 2 weeks. ANCOVA indicated that SmET and Conv improved significantly (p < 0.05) in relative (1-RM/body weight) dynamic strength when compared with initial strength levels. Similar though not statistically significant trends were observed for Cone and Eccn. However, none of the differences among the 4 training groups were significant. There was no change in thigh girth in any of the training groups.