Bilateral isokinetic training reduces the bilateral leg strength deficit for both old and young adults.
The bilateral limb deficit (BLD) describes the difference in maximal or near-maximal force generating capacity of muscles when they are contracted alone and in combination with the contralateral muscles. This study examined the effects of a 6-week (three times per week) bilateral leg strength training programme on BLD in younger and older adults. Data were collected from 33 subjects during slow (45 degrees /s) isokinetic knee extensions and flexions before and after the training programme. After training, the BLD was reduced for extension (73.3-86.9%; P < 0.001) but not for flexion (67.5-71.2%; P = 0.13) regardless of age and gender. This study suggests that difficulty in recruiting all muscle units during a task involving bilateral activation can be improved by training, although such an effect appears to depend on the muscle group appreciated.
Kuruganti
Usha
U
Department of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. ukurugan@unb.ca
Parker
Philip
P
Rickards
Jeremy
J
Tingley
Maureen
M
Sexsmith
James
J
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*