Marler, T. A., Motl, R. W., Johnson, S. C., Walker, J. A., & Subudhi, A. W. (1999). Effects of concentric and eccentric hamstring strength training on 1-RM values in healthy adult males. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1094.

"Previous research has suggested that eccentric hamstring strength training resulted in greater improvements in 1-RM values than concentric training for males." (p. S230) Healthy males (N = 22) were randomly assigned to either concentric or eccentric training groups. Exercises were performed three times per week for 12 weeks.

Both forms of training produced significant strength gains, but there were no significant differences revealed between training methods.

Implication. Eccentric and concentric training of the hamstrings produce similar strength gains.

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