Functional and perceptual responses following damaging eccentric exercise.

Isometric strength loss following damaging eccentric exercise (Edam) has been widely studied but changes in functional (maximal power, Pmax) and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion, RPE) responses have received less attention. Our objective was to establish the time course of alterations in Pmax and RPE following Edam. Eight trained cyclists performed 5 minutes of eccentric cycling with their right leg (damage) and concentric cycling with their left leg (control). Single-leg Pmax was assessed with inertial load cycling. RPE in response to a standard submaximal cycling task was assessed with a Borg scale. Measures were assessed at 7 time points (pre, 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 hrs post). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect for time. Pmax decreased (0-72 hrs post) and RPE increased (0-96 hrs post) in the damaged leg (p<0.05). In two cyclists, we also examined power produced at the ankle, knee, and hip. We observed that knee power decreased by 177 watts whereas hip power increased by 111 watts at 120 hrs post (preliminary data). Thus, although Pmax and RPE recovered, that recovery was partially due to compensation by other less damaged muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]