Cross education after power training

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine whether cross-education, defined as the increase in strength and power of an untrained limb after training of the contralateral homogenous limb, is specific for load types applied during the power training. Twenty four men attended the research After control measurement they were randomized into two groups (n=12 each). Subjects trained five times per week during 4 weeks and performed unilateral concentric training of the right knee on the special designed stand. Different load types were applied for each group: A - elastic bands (linear resistance load - elastic load) and B - weight discs (inertial load). Quantities of disc weights and elastic bands were established individually based on force-speed characteristics. Every Monday, before the training session, bilateral knee force during extension and flexion was measured on the Biodex System 3 Pro under isometric conditions and average power under isokinetic condition (240 deg/sec, 180 deg/sec, 60deg/sec and 30deg/sec). The above factors were measured four times in the post-training period again. Power training causes similar increase of force generating capacity for trained leg and no influence on homogenous force improvement for untrained leg. Until the end of experiment that trend was significantly evaluated in the group A to13 % and B to 9,3 % for the knee extensors. Moreover, 11 % increase of isometric force of agonists for untrained leg was noticed. Higher value occurred in the end of experiment was probably the effect of pelvis stabilization. Cross training effect for homogenous muscles was occurred for power of motion, but only for velocity similar to velocity of knee extension obtained for load quantity applied during power training. The increase of power in the absence of direct training confirmed hypothesis of alterations in neural control specific to training procedures. The influence of mechanical characteristics of external load on cross education was proved. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.