Author Identifier (ORCID)
Kazunori Nosaka: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7373-4994
Abstract
Interests in eccentric resistance exercises have been increasing in both research and practice. However, implementing eccentric resistance exercise training is often challenging due to the mechanical limitations of traditional training equipment. To address this, flywheel (FW) devices emerged as a practical alternative. FW devices are commonly considered to provide eccentric-overload training, in which the load is greater in eccentric than concentric phase. However, this is not always the case. In this article, we summarize the mechanical and physiological factors influencing the effectiveness of FW devices in achieving eccentric overload. Then, we discuss a significant limitation of FW resistance exercise in accurately quantifying the load, since eccentric mechanical load is constrained by preceding concentric phase. Lastly, we explore potential practical solutions and improvements in research methods for FW resistance exercises. FW resistance exercises become eccentric-overload exercises only when higher mechanical quantities are achieved and confirmed during the eccentric than in the concentric phase of repetitions. It is important to examine if eccentric overload is actually achieved during training and testing, which can clarify if the eccentric overload is a key factor for the neuromuscular adaptations observed following a FW resistance training.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
12-1-2026
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publication Title
Sports Medicine Open
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
Public Research Agency of the Republic of Slovenia / Edith Cowan University / University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Spudić, D., & Nosaka, K. (2026). Do flywheel exercises provide eccentric-overload training? Sports Medicine - Open, 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00974-y