Cross-education Effects of Wrist Flexor Strengthening on Grip Strength: Comparison of Eccentric and Concentric Training
- Author:
Eng Chuan Tan
1
,
2
;
Zuo-En Chan
1
;
Muhammad Noh Zulfikri Mohd Jamali
3
;
Mahadevi Barathi
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Cross-education, grip strength, wrist flexor, muscle strength, resistance training
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.2):71-75
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Time away from training and competition from sport injuries may lead to detrimental effects on muscle strength and endurance. The cross-education effect plays an important role in preserving strength during recovery and rehabilitation; however, the effects have been found to be inconclusive. In addition, the distinct impacts of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises need to be explored. The objective of this study was to compare the cross-education effects of eccentric and concentric wrist flexor strengthening exercises on hand grip strength among recreational athletes. Methods: A total of 39 recreational athletes aged between 18-25 years old were randomly assigned into two groups of wrist flexor strengthening exercise: eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) training groups. The training period for the study was 4 weeks with 3 sessions of strengthening exercises per week. Handgrip strength was measured bilaterally, before and after the intervention using the JAMAR handgrip dynamometer. Results: Significant increases in hand grip strength were observed for the ECC and CON groups in both the trained and untrained hands following 4 weeks of training. However, the handgrip strength between the two groups in the untrained hand was not significantly different (p=0.64). The strength gain in the untrained hand was 9.8% and 10.8%, for ECC and CON groups, respectively. Conclusion: The cross-education effect was significant in improving strength in the untrained hand. There was no difference in strength gains between concentric and eccentric strength training.
- Full text:202410211636056757811.2024my1767.pdf
