Can the cross-education of strength attenuate the impact of detraining after a period of strength training? A quasi-randomized trial

Grant S Rowe; Anthony J Blazevich; Janet L Taylor; Timothy Pulverenti; G Gregory Haff

doi:10.1007/s00421-024-05509-z

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Can the cross-education of strength attenuate the impact of detraining after a period of strength training? A quasi-randomized trial

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Can the cross-education of strength attenuate the impact of detraining after a period of strength training? A quasi-randomized trial

Grant S Rowe, Anthony J Blazevich, Janet L Taylor, Timothy Pulverenti and G Gregory Haff

European journal of applied physiology, Vol.124, pp.1-16

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05509-z

PMID: 38809477

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Abstract

PURPOSE: Unilateral strength training may attenuate the decline in muscle strength and size in homologous, contralateral muscles. This study aimed to determine whether the cross-education of strength could specifically attenuate the effects of detraining immediately after a short (prehabilitation-type) period of strength training. METHODS: Twenty-six strength-trained participants were assigned to either four weeks of unilateral strength training of the stronger arm (UNI) or detraining (Detrain). Motor evoked potential (MEP) and cortical silent period (cSP) responses, muscle cross-sectional area (CSAFlexor; peripheral quantitative computed tomography) and maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD) and muscle activation (EMG) were examined in both elbow flexors before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: In UNI, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength improved in both the trained (∆ = 2.0 ± 0.9 kg) and non-trained (∆ = 0.8 ± 0.9 kg) arms despite cessation of training of the weaker arm, whereas 1-RM strength was unchanged in Detrain. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, isokinetic peak torque, and RFD did not change in either group. No neural changes were detected in UNI, but cSP increased in Detrain (∆ = 0.010 ± 0.015 s). CSAFlexor increased in the trained arm (∆ = 51 ± 43 mm2) but decreased in the non-trained arm (∆ = -53 ± 50 mm2) in UNI. CSAFlexor decreased in both arms in Detrain and at a similar rate to the non-trained arm in UNI. CONCLUSION: UNI attenuated the effects of detraining in the weaker arm as shown by the improvement in 1-RM strength. However, the cross-education of strength did not attenuate the decline in muscle size in the contralateral arm.

Details

Title: Can the cross-education of strength attenuate the impact of detraining after a period of strength training? A quasi-randomized trial
Authors/Creators: Grant S Rowe
Anthony J Blazevich - Edith Cowan University
Janet L Taylor - Edith Cowan University
Timothy Pulverenti - Montefiore Medical Center
G Gregory Haff - University of Salford
Publication Details: European journal of applied physiology, Vol.124, pp.1-16
Publisher: Springer Nature
Identifiers: 991005672967707891
Copyright: © The Author(s) 2024
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.82 Gait & Posture; 1.82.811 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Web Of Science research areas: Physiology; Sport Sciences
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine