The Quadmill: effects of eccentric training vs. concentric training on lower extremity power and anaerobic capacity

Abstract

Training focuses on the concentric action of muscle during exercise for most exercise programs, but eccentric training may yield greater results. The Quadmill is a unique piece of training equipment that focuses on training the quadriceps muscle eccentrically. Purpose: to determine if using the Quadmill could increase power and anaerobic capacity to the same level, if not greater, than a standard concentric focused lower body training protocol. Participants were 44 undergraduate college students (24 Male 20 Female) Design: participants placed into three equal groups (Quadmill, Lifting, Control). The two experimental groups (Quadmill and Lifting) underwent seven weeks of a training intervention based on group. Pre- and post-tests of power (vertical jump height and approach jump height) and anaerobic capacity (shuttle run) were used to measure performance. The Quadmill group was statistically significant from both of the other groups in terms of power after the seven weeks. Conclusion: eccentric training with the Quadmill can yield greater power development than concentric training with a standard resistance training program.