Chen, T. C. (1998). The effects of repeated maximal isokinetic eccentric exercise on total work and isometric force. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 622.

Active males (N = 24) were randomly assigned to a control and exercise group to evaluate the effects of repeated maximal isokinetic voluntary eccentric exercise on total work and maximal isometric force. The exercise was 3 x 10 repetitions of maximal isokinetic effort on the non-dominant arm elbow flexors on a Cybex 6000 at a speed of 60 degrees per second. The exercise group performed the same exercise routine 1, 3, and 6 days after the first assessment. Both groups were tested for maximal isokinetic force prior to, 3, 6, and 9 days of the experiment.

No significant differences were found between the groups for maximal force. Maximal force at the end of each exercise bout decreased 43%, 22%, and 28% on each respective day. Those reductions were positively correlated with reduced work performed (r = .85).

Implication. Intense work of a strength nature rapidly reduces the ability to perform strength-related work. The amount of strength work performed in training before competitions should be limited so that no performance degradation occurs.

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