Submaximal loading as a feasible alternative to supramaximal loading in accentuated eccentric loading during the short-term basic strength block

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of supramaximal and submaximal accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on lower-body function and hypertrophy during a short-term basic strength block. Methods Twenty-two trained male students (20.64±1.92 years, 177.07±4.17cm, 73.08±4.44kg) were assigned to two experimental groups based on baseline strength: the supramaximal loading group (SUPRA, 120%/70% one repetition maximum [1RM], n=11) and the submaximal loading group (SUB, 95%/70% 1RM, n=11), both groups applying eccentric overload during each repetition. Both groups trained twice weekly for 4 weeks (3 sets×5 reps). The pre- and post-tests included rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), countermovement jump height (CMJH), back squat 1RM, and 50% 1RM squat failure volume load (SFVL). Results A statistically significant main effect of time was observed for all variables (P<0.05), but no statistically significant group×time interaction effects were found for any variable (P>0.05). Both the SUPRA and SUB showed no statistically significant improvements in RFCSA, with trivial changes observed (P>0.05, Hedges’ g=0.13 and 0.10, respectively). Both the SUPRA and SUB showed statistically significant improvements in CMJH, 1RM, and SFVL (P<0.05), with similar changes in CMJH (Hedges’ g=0.31 and 0.22, respectively) and 1RM (Hedges’ g=0.46 and 0.38, respectively). In SFVL, the SUPRA showed slightly greater improvements than the SUB (Hedges’ g=0.43 and 0.19, respectively). Conclusions The results indicate that AEL training is effective in short-term training, with supramaximal and submaximal AEL producing similar improvements in outcomes. Therefore, submaximal AEL can serve as a feasible alternative to supramaximal AEL for physically active and healthy practitioners in a short-term basic strength block.