I just ran across an abstract from Journal of Applied Physiology which
indicated:
"We performed two studies to determine the effect of a resistive
training program comprised of fast vs. slow isokinetic lengthening
contractions on muscle fiber hypertrophy. *** Twelve subjects ***
performed maximal resistive lengthening isokinetic exercise with both
arms for 8 wk (3 days/wk), during which they trained one arm at a Fast
velocity while the contralateral arm performed an equivalent number of
contractions at a Slow velocity. *** In conclusion, training using Fast
(3.66 rad/s) lengthening contractions leads to greater hypertrophy and
strength gains than Slow (0.35 rad/s) lengthening contractions."
Shepstone TN, Tang JE, Dallaire S, Schuenke MD, Staron RS, Phillips SM.
Short-term high- vs. low-velocity isokinetic lengthening training
results in greater hypertrophy of the elbow flexors in young men. J
Appl Physiol. 2005 May;98(5):1768-76.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15640387&query_hl=13
(http://tinyurl.com/8q3t2)
Very interesting. Now, 3.66 rad/s seems like a really fast maximal
eccentric stroke for a bicep curl, but I have an idea of how that might
be accomplished with a training partner and the plate-loaded Nautilus
preacher curl at my gym. However, I don't have access to the full JAP
article, and I would like to read their protocol. Can anyone help me
out on that?