Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Skeletal muscle remodeling in response to eccentric vs. concentric loading: morphological, molecular, and metabolic adaptations

Franchi, Martino V.; Reeves, Neil D.; Narici, Marco V.

Skeletal muscle remodeling in response to eccentric vs. concentric loading: morphological, molecular, and metabolic adaptations Thumbnail


Authors

Martino V. Franchi

Neil D. Reeves

Marco V. Narici



Abstract

Skeletal muscle contracts either by shortening or lengthening (concentrically or eccentrically, respectively); however, the two contractions substantially differ from one another in terms of mechanisms of force generation, maximum force production and energy cost. It is generally known that eccentric action s generate greater force than isometric and concentric contractions and at a lower metabolic cost. Hence, by virtue of the greater mechanical loading involved in active lengthening, eccentric resistance training (ECC RT) is assumed to produce greater hypertrophy than concentric resistance training (CON RT). Nonetheless, prevalence of either ECC RT or CON RT in inducing gains in muscle mass is still an open issue, with some studies reporting greater hypertrophy with eccentric, some with concentric and some with similar hypertrophy within both training modes. Recent observations suggest that such hypertrophic responses to lengthening vs. shortening contractions are achieved by different adaptations in muscle architecture. Whilst the changes in muscle protein synthesis in response to acute and chronic concentric and eccentric exercise bouts seem very similar, the molecular mechanisms regulating the myogenic adaptations to the two distinct loading stimuli are still incompletely understood. Thus, the present review aims to, (a) critically discuss the literature on the contribution of eccentric vs. concentric loading to muscular hypertrophy and structural remodeling, and, (b) clarify the molecular mechanisms that may regulate such adaptations. We conclude that, when matched for either maximum load or work, similar increase in muscle size is found between ECC and CON RT. However, such hypertrophic changes appear to be achieved through distinct structural adaptations, which may be regulated by different myogenic and molecular responses observed between lengthening and shortening contractions.

Citation

Franchi, M. V., Reeves, N. D., & Narici, M. V. (2017). Skeletal muscle remodeling in response to eccentric vs. concentric loading: morphological, molecular, and metabolic adaptations. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00447

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 13, 2017
Publication Date Jul 4, 2017
Deposit Date Jul 20, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Frontiers in Physiology
Electronic ISSN 1664-042X
Publisher Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00447
Keywords Eccentric exercise, Concentric exercise, Eccentric contraction, Muscle architecture, Muscle remodeling, Muscle hypertrophy, Muscle signaling, Mechanotransduction
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/871373
Publisher URL http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fphys.2017.00447/full

Files





Downloadable Citations