HighlightsTorque steadiness in the isometric steady-state following an eccentric contraction is impaired compared with a purely isometric contraction.This decrease in torque steadiness is driven by an activation reduction that occurs in the isometric steady-state following an eccentric contraction when torque is matched to that of a purely isometric contraction.When activation was matched between a purely isometric contraction and the isometric steady-state following an eccentric contraction, there was no difference in torque steadiness.Residual force enhancement may improve neuromuscular economy but negatively affects torque steadiness at low levels of contraction intensity. Altered motor unit activation strategies in the force enhanced state likely contribute to the unsteadiness following active lengthening.

High intensity unaccustomed eccentric contractions result in weakness and power loss due to fatigue and muscle damage. Through the repeated bout effect (RBE), adaptations occur, then damage and weakness are attenuated following a subsequent bout. However, it is unclear whether the RBE protects peak power output. We investigated the influence of the RBE on power production and estimated fatigue- and damage-induced neuromuscular impairments following repeated high-intensity eccentric contractions. Twelve healthy adult males performed 5 sets of 30 maximal eccentric elbow flexions and repeated an identical bout 4 weeks later. Recovery was tracked over 7 days following both bouts. Reduced maximum voluntary isometric contraction torque, and increased serum creatine kinase and self-reported soreness indirectly inferred muscle damage. Peak isotonic power, time-dependent measures—rate of velocity development (RVD) and rate of torque development (RTD)—and several electrophysiological indices of neuromuscular function were assessed. The RBE protected peak power, with a protective index of 66% 24 hours after the second eccentric exercise bout. The protection of power also related to preserved RVD (R2=0.61, P<0.01) and RTD (R2=0.39, P<0.01). Furthermore, the RBE’s protection against muscle damage permitted the estimation of fatigue-associated neuromuscular performance decrements following eccentric exercise. Novelty Bullets • The repeated bout effect protects peak isotonic power. • Protection of peak power relates to preserved rates of torque and velocity development, but more so rate of velocity development. • The repeated bout effect has little influence on indices of neuromuscular fatigue.

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