Isometric training with maximal co-contraction instruction does not increase co-activation during exercises against external resistances |
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| Authors: | Tarak Driss Virgile Serrau David George Behm Ethelle Lesne-Chabran Armande Le Pellec-Muller Henry Vandewalle |
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| Institution: | 1. Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, CeRSM (EA 2931), UFR STAPS, Nanterre, Francetarak.driss@u-paris10.fr;3. Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, CeRSM (EA 2931), UFR STAPS, Nanterre, France;4. Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada;5. Université Paris XIII Bobigny, UFR de Santé, Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Laboratoire de Physiologie, Bobigny, France |
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| Abstract: | AbstractThe present investigation verified that strength is improved by a training programme consisting of repetitions of maximal isometric voluntary co-contractions without increasing co-activations during contractions against external resistances. Ten participants performed 12 training sessions (four sets of 6 × 4 second maximal isometric co-contraction of the elbow flexor and extensors, 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Surface electromyograms of triceps and biceps brachii were collected during maximal voluntary isometric elbow flexion and extension against a force transducer. Maximal voluntary isometric force increased significantly after training, by 13.8 ± 6.0% (extension) and 9.6 ± 9.5% (flexion), but the observed increases in EMG of agonist muscles during maximal voluntary contraction were not significant. No significant changes in the levels of co-activation of the elbow flexors and extensors were observed. No significant change was observed for all the parameters in a control group of ten participants. These results indicated that the strength improvements after co-contraction training occur without increases in co-activation level. |
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| Keywords: | self-resistance training isometric MVC electromyography co-activation |
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