Eccentric load generation among different devices: narrative review with methodological approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.15.1.2026.22601Keywords:
eccentric training, resistance training, exercise equipment, sports performance, muscular rehabilitationAbstract
This study provides a narrative review of the devices used to generate eccentric load in muscle strength training, with an emphasis on their methodological differences, clinical applications, and health effects. Eccentric load, characterized by muscle contraction during muscle lengthening, has been shown to have significant benefits in physical performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, both in athletes and in clinical populations and older adults. Despite its advantages, there is a lack of knowledge about the different devices used, such as isokinetic, isoinertial, electrical, and pneumatic devices, each with specific characteristics in terms of resistance type, applicability, and operational limitations. The comparative analysis highlights that, although all devices improve muscle strength and joint health, they have key differences in accuracy, portability, cost, and adaptability. Recommendations are proposed for their safe and efficient use, prioritizing the individualization of training. This work seeks to serve as a basis for future research aimed at developing new, more accessible, and versatile technologies that optimize the use of eccentric loading in various contexts, contributing to the improvement of athletic performance and overall health.
Downloads
References
1. Harris-Love MO, Gollie JM, Keogh JWL. Eccentric exercise: adaptations and applications for health and performance. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(4):96, doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6040096.
2. Suchomel TJ, Wagle JP, Douglas J, Taber CB, Harden M, Haff GG, Stone MH. Implementing eccentric resistance training—part 1: a brief review of existing methods. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2019;4(2):38, doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4020038.
3. Suchomel TJ, Wagle JP, Douglas J, Taber CB, Harden M, Haff GG, Stone MH. Implementing eccentric resistance training—part 2: practical recommendations. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2019;4(3):55, doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4030055.
4. González JR, Sánchez JS. Strength training methods for improving actions in football. Apunts Educ Fis Deportes. 2018;(132):72–93, doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2018/2).132.06.
5. Lieber RL. Biomechanical response of skeletal muscle to eccentric contractions. J Sport Health Sci. 2018;7(3):294–309, doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.06.005.
6. Maroto-Izquierdo S, Martín-Rivera F, Nosaka K, Beato M, González-Gallego J, de Paz JA. Effects of submaximal and supramaximal accentuated eccentric loading on mass and function. Front Physiol. 2023;14:1176835, doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1176835.
7. Hody S, Croisier JL, Bury T, Rogister B, Leprince P. Eccentric muscle contractions: risks and benefits. Front Physiol. 2019;10:536, doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00536.
8. Herzog W. Why are muscles strong, and why do they require little energy in eccentric action? J Sport Health Sci. 2018;7(3):255–264, doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.05.005.
9. Oranchuk DJ, Storey AG, Nelson AR, Cronin JB. Isometric training and long-term adaptations: effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;29(4):484–503, doi.org/10.1111/sms.13375.
10. Maestroni L, Read P, Bishop C, Turner A. Strength and power training in rehabilitation: underpinning principles and practical strategies to return athletes to high performance. Sports Med. 2020;50(2):239–252, doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01195-6.
11. Liang F, Hongfeng H, Ying Z. The effects of eccentric training on hamstring flexibility and strength in young dance students. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):53987, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53987-0.
12. Walker S, Blazevich AJ, Haff GG, Tufano JJ, Newton RU, Häkkinen K. Greater strength gains after training with accentuated eccentric than traditional isoinertial loads in already strength-trained men. Front Physiol. 2016;7:149, doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00149.
13. Drury B, Clarke H, Moran J, Fernandes JFT, Henry G, Behm DG. Eccentric resistance training in youth: a survey of perceptions and current practices by strength and conditioning coaches. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2021;6(1):21, doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6010021.
14. Yoon SY, Kim YW, Shin IS, Kang S, Moon HI, Lee SC. The beneficial effects of eccentric exercise in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2021;10(17):3968, doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173968.
15. Douglas J, Pearson S, Ross A, McGuigan M. Eccentric exercise: physiological characteristics and acute responses. Sports Med. 2017;47(4):663–675. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0624-8.
16. Wang J, Zhang Q, Chen W, Fu H, Zhang M, Fan Y. The effect of flywheel complex training with eccentric-overload on muscular adaptation in elite female volleyball players. PeerJ. 2024;12:e17079, doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17079.
17. Torpey D, Murray E, Hughes T, Sergeant J, Callaghan M. The reliability of and agreement between devices used to measure eccentric hamstring strength: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev. 2022;11(1):238, doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02070-8.
18. Wiesinger HP, Scharinger M, Kösters A, Gressenbauer C, Müller E. Specificity of eccentric hamstring training and the lack of consistency between strength assessments using conventional test devices. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):13469, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92929-y.
19. Lodge C, Tobin D, O’Rourke B, Thorborg K. Reliability and validity of a new eccentric hamstring strength measurement device. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl. 2020;2(1):100034, doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2019.100034.
20. Muniz Medeiros D, Marchiori C, Manfredini Baroni B. Effect of Nordic hamstring exercise training on knee flexors eccentric strength and fascicle length: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Rehabil. 2021;30(3):482–491, doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2019-0388.
21. Chavarro-Nieto C, Beaven M, Gill N, Hébert-Losier K. Reliability of repeated Nordic hamstring strength in rugby players using a load cell device. Sensors (Basel). 2022;22(24):9756, doi.org/10.3390/s22249756.
22. Yoon DH, Lee JY, Song W. Effects of resistance exercise training on cognitive function and physical performance in cognitive frailty: a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr Health Aging. 2018;22(8):944–951, doi.org/10.1007/s12603-018-1090-9.
23. Costa JA, Spyrou K, Sancho A, Reis JF, Brito J. Reliability of maximal strength and peak rate of force development in a portable Nordic hamstrings exercise device. Sensors (Basel). 2023;23(12):5452, doi.org/10.3390/s23125452.
24. Harden M, Wolf A, Evans M, Hicks KM, Thomas K, Howatson G. Four weeks of augmented eccentric loading using a novel leg press device improved leg strength in well-trained athletes and professional sprint track cyclists. PLoS One. 2020;15(7):e0236663, doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236663.
25. Reyes-Ferrada W, Chirosa-Ríos LJ, Chirosa-Ríos I, Martínez-García D, Barboza-Gonzalez P, Ulloa-Díaz D, Jerez-Mayorga D, Rodríguez-Perea Á. A new reliable device to assess trunk extensors strength. Acta Bioeng Biomech. 2022;24(1), doi.org/10.37190/ABB-01965-2021-05.
Downloads
Published
Dimensions
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte
All the contents published in Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte are subject to the Creative Commons Reconocimento-NoComercia-Compartirigual 4.0 license, the full text of which can be found at <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0>
They may be copied, used, disseminated, transmitted and publicly exposed, provided that:
The authorship and original source of your publication (Journal, editorial and URL of the work) are cited.
They are not used for commercial purposes.
The existence and specifications of this use license are mentioned.

Copyright is of two kinds: moral rights and patrimonial rights. Moral rights are perpetual, inalienable, inalienable, inalienable, inalienable and imprescriptible prerogatives.
In accordance with copyright legislation, Revista Eviterna recognizes and respects the moral rights of the authors, as well as the ownership of the economic right, which will be transferred to the University of Malaga for dissemination in open access.
The economic rights refer to the benefits obtained by the use or disclosure of the works. Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte is published in open access and is exclusively authorized to carry out or authorize by any means the use, distribution, disclosure, reproduction, adaptation, translation or transformation of the work.
It is the responsibility of the authors to obtain the necessary permissions of the images that are subject to copyright.











9.png)