Metabolic Effects of Isometric Training

Abstract
The effects of 30 intermittent maximal isometric contractions of the quadriceps on muscle strength, muscle blood flow, and metabolism were studied in 15 young healthy men before and after 30 isometric training sessions during 6 weeks. The peak strength increased 26 per cent and the average strength increased 4 per cent. Mean muscle blood flow during the exercise period measured with Xenon-clearance technique was unchanged. Muscle succinic oxidase concentrations were increased after training, and lactate production during the isometric exercise decreased. No significant changes took place in adenosine triphospate, creatine phosphate, and glycogen concentrations of the muscle as an effect of the training, and the reduction in these compounds during the isometric contractions was comparable both before and after the training period. It was concluded that the extra energy needed to perform the larger amount of exercise after training came from an enhanced aerobic energy yield brought about by increased oxygen extraction of the muscle as indicated by the higher succinic oxidase activity.

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