1.Cross-education Effects of Wrist Flexor Strengthening on Grip Strength: Comparison of Eccentric and Concentric Training
Eng Chuan Tan ; Zuo-En Chan ; Muhammad Noh Zulfikri Mohd Jamali ; Mahadevi Barathi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2024;20(No.2):71-75
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.