Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia | [b] Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina | [c] Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Although transfer of unilateral training has been quite widely
explored, few studies have focused on gains achieved due to concentric
isokinetic training of the non-dominant side. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of unilateral non-dominant (ND) isokinetic
knee extension and flexion training at 60°/s on ipsilateral and
contralateral knee extension and flexion peak moment (PM) in active female
population as well investigate the speed specificity nature of this
protocol. METHODS: Thirty female were divided into two groups: experimental and
control. The experimental group trained concentrically the ND flexors and
extensors at 60°/s according to the following protocol: 5-6 reps X 2-4
sets X 3d X 4w at 100% effort while PM at pre- and post-training was
tested concentrically at 60 and 180°/s. RESULTS: Significant (p< 0.05) increases in the extensors and flexors PM peak
moment in both the trained and untrained limb were noted in the experimental
group, ranging 19-27% and 12-17%, respectively. The effects were speed
specific in the trained but not in untrained limb. No changes were noted in
the PM of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In physically active female population, concentric isokinetic
training of the ND knee extensors and flexors at 60°/s significantly
increase the strength of these muscles at the trained and untrained limb.
This cross-education was not speed specific and therefore may obviate the
need to use a multiple speed protocol.
