| Title: | Eccentric quasi-isometric exercise produces greater impulse with less pain than isokinetic heavy–slow resistance exercise in ankle plantar flexors : quasi-randomized controlled trial |
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| Authors: | ID Križaj, Luka (Author)
ID Kozinc, Žiga (Author)
ID Šarabon, Nejc (Author) |
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| Files: |  https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011177
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/20/11177
 RAZ_Krizaj_Luka_2025.pdf (769,66 KB)
MD5: FF5572A0C4F0768C83EC8F731ECB63BC
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Article |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FVZ - Faculty of Health Sciences
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| Abstract: | Recently, there has been growing interest in optimizing exercise protocols in sports training and rehabilitation, with particular attention to eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) contractions, which involve maintaining joint position until isometric failure and then resisting the subsequent eccentric phase. Evidence directly comparing EQI with other contraction modes remains scarce. This quasi-randomized controlled trial examined the short-term effects of EQI versus isokinetic heavy–slow resistance (IHSR) exercises on ankle plantar flexors, focusing on pain, range of motion (RoM), and strength performance. Thirty-two physically active participants were allocated to EQI (n = 16) or IHSR (n = 16) groups and assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 24 and 48 h later. Both groups performed three exercise sets with 3 min breaks. The protocols were designed to approximate matched loading, based on preliminary testing. Nevertheless, the EQI group achieved a significantly greater total impulse (p = 0.028), a shorter time under tension (p = 0.001), and lower effort scores (p < 0.001). Group × time analysis revealed less decline in maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.16), as well as lower general (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.32) and activity-related pain (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.32) in the EQI group, with no significant differences in dorsiflexion RoM (p = 0.893). In conclusion, EQI produced a higher torque impulse while inducing less fatigue and post-exercise pain than IHSR, suggesting it may be a more efficient loading strategy for the ankle plantar flexors. The results contribute to the understanding of contraction-specific efficiency, and may inform the design of future training and rehabilitation protocols targeting the ankle plantar flexors. |
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| Keywords: | eccentric quasi-isometric contraction, isokinetic heavy–slow resistance contraction, ankle plantar flexors, impulse, pain, range of motion |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Article acceptance date: | 17.10.2025 |
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| Publication date: | 18.10.2025 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2025 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 1-17 |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 15, [article no.] 11177 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/RUP-22044  |
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| UDC: | 615.82 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2076-3417 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/app152011177 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 254790403 |
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| Publication date in RUP: | 27.10.2025 |
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| Views: | 253 |
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| Downloads: | 6 |
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