Table 2.
Downhill running training-induced changes in knee-extensor muscle strength and vastus lateralis muscle morphology. Data are presented as mean ± SD
| Baseline | 2 weeks | 4 weeks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isometric MVT (N·m) | 228 ± 69 | 231 ± 83 | 254 ± 88* |
| Eccentric MVT (N·m) | 240 ± 54 | 249 ± 80* | 268 ± 84* |
| Concentric MVT (N·m) | 179 ± 54 | 189 ± 61 | 200 ± 57* |
| ACSAmean (cm2) | 20.9 ± 4.3 | 21.4 ± 4.5* | 22.3 ± 4.2*§ |
| ACSA75%ML (proximal) | 19.9 ± 3.9 | 20.4 ± 4 | 21.1 ± 3.9*§ |
| ACSA50%ML (medial) | 25.7 ± 5.5 | 26.3 ± 5.7 | 27.2 ± 5.3*§ |
| ACSA25%ML (distal) | 17 ± 4.1 | 17.8 ± 4.3 | 18.6 ± 4.1*§ |
| Muscle volume (cm3) | 395 ± 91 | 406 ± 96* | 420 ± 92*§ |
| PCSA (cm2) | 52 ± 11.9 | 53.3 ± 12.5 | 54.0 ± 12.2* |
| Fascicle length (mm) | 76.5 ± 8.3 | 76.8 ± 9.2 | 78.5 ± 8.9*§ |
| Fascicle pennation angle (°) | 17.5 ± 1.3 | 17.9 ± 1.1 | 18.5 ± 1.0*§ |
| Muscle thickness (mm) | 22.7 ± 3.3 | 23.4 ± 3.0 | 23.7 ± 2.7* |
MVT maximal voluntary torque, ACSA anatomical cross-sectional area, ML muscle length, PCSA physiological cross-sectional area
*Different to baseline values (p < 0.05); §different to values at 2 weeks (p < 0.05)