Gaines, R., Sebolt, D., & Bos, R. (1996). The effects of velocity specific isokinetic training on strength, hypertrophy and cross education. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5),Supplement abstract 1143.

Volunteers (M = 15; F = 15) were divided into three strength training groups: a) slow-velocity, b) fast-velocity, and c) no-training control.

Both training groups improved at their specific training speeds as well as demonstrating reduced but significant improvements at an intermediate speed range. Slow-velocity training produced significant increases in hypertrophy. There were no changes in the non-trained arm and thus, the concept of cross-education was not supported.

Implications. In relatively untrained individuals strength training is likely to have a more general effect than could be expected with highly trained athletes. This accounts for the partial generalization of both training speeds to an intermediate speed.

Slow-velocity training stimulates hypertrophy.

The failure to demonstrate cross-education to an inactive limb might be due to the very restricted training stimulus used. More varied stimuli might be necessary to cause such an effect.

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