Strength and power adaptations of the upper body following 20 training sessions on an eccentric arm-crank ergometer

Purpose Eccentric strength training is an innovative and promising approach to improve exercise performance. However, most eccentric training studies in the past were performed with a focus on the lower extremities. The present study aimed to test the feasibility and effects on strength and power adaptations of a structured upper-body eccentric training program. Methods Fourteen (median age (Q1–Q3) 29 years (27–32); 9 females, 5 males) healthy, regularly exercising individuals performed 20 progressive training sessions (2–3 sessions/week at 20–50% peak power for 8–14 min) on a symmetric eccentric arm-crank ergometer. Before and after the intervention, anaerobic peak power (PP) and maximal concentric aerobic power output (POmax) on an arm-crank ergometer as well as the one repetition maximum (1RM) for bench press were determined as main outcome parameters. A p -value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Significant improvements in PP (+ 4% (1–8), p = 0.007), POmax (+ 6% (0–8); p = 0.01), and 1RM (+ 12% (10–17); p