Comparison between eccentric-focused and slow concentric–eccentric bodyweight exercise training for their effects on physical function and health parameters in older adult
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Kazunori Nosaka: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7373-4994
Abstract
Purpose: Bodyweight eccentric exercise training (ET), in which eccentric contractions are prolonged while minimizing the effort for concentric contractions, is shown to improve the physical functions of older adults. No previous study has compared this with bodyweight resistance exercise training in which both concentric and eccentric contractions are performed slowly (CET). We hypothesized that CET would produce better health and fitness outcomes than ET. Methods: Healthy older adults (65–89 years) were placed into the ET (n = 21) or CET group (n = 19). Both groups performed several bodyweight resistance exercises at a community center once and at home more than twice a week for 10 weeks. In the exercises, each eccentric contraction was 3 s for both groups, but each concentric contraction was performed with as little effort as possible for ET, but 3 s for CET. Resting heart rate, blood pressure, knee extensor muscle thickness (MT), maximal voluntary contraction strength (MVC), physical function tests (30-s chair stand: CS, 3-m timed up and go: TUG, sit and reach, 6-m walking time: 6WT and static balance) were assessed before and after the 10-week training, and their changes were compared between groups. Results: The subjective exercise intensity was lower (P < 0.01) for ET (2.2 ± 1.8/10) than CET (3.2 ± 1.7). Greater improvements in resting heart rate, blood pressure, CS, TUG, and 6WT were found for ET than CET, but MT and MVC increased similarly for both groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results did not support the hypothesis in the present study design and showed that eccentric-focused training yielded greater benefits than slow concentric–eccentric training.
Keywords
30‑s chair stand, blood pressure, heart rate, maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength, static balance, walking ability
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2026
Volume
22
Issue
2
Publication Title
Sport Sciences for Health
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funders
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (21K11473)
Copyright
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Comments
Katsura, Y., Takeda, N., Inami, T., Yamaguchi, S., Takahashi, S., Nakamura, M., & Nosaka, K. (2026). Comparison between eccentric-focused and slow concentric–eccentric bodyweight exercise training for their effects on physical function and health parameters in older adult. Sport Sciences for Health, 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-026-01707-8