Effects of Eccentric Cycle Ergometry in Alpine Skiers

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 groupxtime 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.

Familiarisation to maximal recumbent eccentric cycling

“…For example, greater consistency maintaining a given power output was observed after six weeks of recumbent eccentric cycling at 60-80 rpm [10], however, this does not offer insight to the initial, session-by-session, learning effect. Penailillo et al [6] reported reductions in vastus lateralis activation for a set power output at 60 rpm after two sessions, indicating a change in neuromuscular activation, but no other muscles or cadences were tested.…”

“…An additional advantage of eccentric cycling ergometry is the ability to prescribe high-volume, specific eccentric work that minimises the concentric contractions typically associated with other types of cyclical eccentric training, such as traditional free-weight resistance exercise. Training studies utilising eccentric cycling have observed notable increases in vastus lateralis cross-sectional area [7], jump power, leg stiffness [8], concentric power, pennation angle [9], and jump height [10], supporting the posit that eccentric cycling can offer a potent training stimulus.…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Strength and Conditioning

“…The physiological adaptation stimulated by EET in clinical populations has the potential to extend to healthy subjects and in particular to competitive sport, where the continuous search for training methods to enhance performance is paramount. Recent work has reported increases in lean muscle mass and a 6.5% improvement in muscle power in elite alpine skiers following six weeks of moderate intensity EET [6]. Similarly, increases in quadriceps muscle mass and maximal power output (5-9%) have been documented in young healthy subjects following eight weeks of EET at between 20-55% of maximal concentric cycling power output [7].…”

The diagnosis and comparison of physical abilities of skiers and footballers

“…Gross, et al, [10,11] have investigated the seasonal variation of maximum oxygen uptake and the rate of oxygen uptake among the top skiers. During the racing season, skiers greatly reduce strength training and weight use, while snow training is predominant.…”