A comparison of the effects of concentric versus eccentric exercise on force at the elbow joint

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of eccentric-focused resistance exercise on muscle strength with concentric-focused resistance exercise.
Patients and Methods: The study was conducted with 34 participants from November 2021 to June 2022, categorized as elite athletes (group 1, n=10), novice athletes (group 2, n=12), and non-athletes (group 3, n=12). Participants' age, weight, gender, dominant upper extremity (Edinburgh Inventory), hypermobility status (Modified Beighton Joint Hypermobility Test), and the arm used for archery were recorded. Evaluation included muscle strength of both extremities' m. biceps brachii and m. triceps brachii, handgrip strength, pinch strength, and reaction time.
Results: When compared between groups, significant differences were found in muscle strength and pinch strengths on both sides, as well as reaction times on both sides between group 1 and group 3 (p<0.05). Significant differences were also observed in left pinch strength and left reaction time between group 2 and group 3 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Both types of resistance training effectively increased arm strength, pinch strength, and reaction time. However, eccentric-focused resistance exercise was found to enhance the performance of arm muscles more than concentric exercises
Key words: Eccentric exercise, hand-held dynamometer, muscle strength, concentric exercise, archer